New Delhi: Seeking to dispel the controversy over chanting of ‘Om’ during the World Yoga Day programme, Ayush Minister Shripad Naik on Wednesday said there was “no compulsion” to say it.
The ministry said there is no change even in “a full stop or a comma” in the protocol of exercises performed last year and that Surya Namaskar will also not be a part of the yoga day programme.
However, this year the programme will be extended by 10 minutes. “Om is a universal word. There is no religious connotation to it. It will be a part of the yoga day programme just like last year, but it has not been made compulsory. Those who want to chant ‘Om’ can do it. Others can say something else they wish. It’s up to them,” Naik said.
Chanting of Om during yoga day programme is being opposed by some sections of minorities. “There will be no change in the protocol of exercise even by a comma or a full stop. ‘Om’ was a part of the protocol last year and it will also be a part this year. Like last year, even this year it has not been made compulsory,” Anil Ganeriwala, Joint Secretary with the Ayush said.
Referring to media reports Naik said even Vice-President Hamid Ansari's wife’s Salma has said there is nothing wrong in chanting ‘Om’ while performing yoga and, if one chants it, the oxygen intake in the body increases.
