International Yoga Day events not 'compulsory': Centre

New Delhi: Amid opposition from some minority groups including the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AMPLB) against compulsory yoga classes in schools, the Centre has announced that participation in June 21 events to mark the International Yoga Day is not a ''compulsory" one and it has no connection with religion.

"We have not made anything mandatory. It is yoga and has nothing to do with religion. It is an opportunity for everyone in the country to showcase before the world our ancient legacy. This initiative has nothing to do with any party. This will help us bring pride to the country," Minister of State for AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy) Shripad Yesso Naik told reporters yesterday.

AYUSH is the coordinating Ministry for the Yoga Day events.

"Yoga does not speak about any religion. If one doesn't want to do a certain part, then don't do it. If you don't want to say 'Om' while practising yoga, then don't do it. At least one can perform yoga," Naik said after reviewing the preparations for the mega event to be held at Rajpath on June 21.

Naik also said about 35,000 people are expected to attend the Rajpath event.