Yoga Day: No compulsion, no holiday, says Minister

Naik said every country in the world will participate in the International Yoga Day event, scheduled to be held on June 21. “There is no compulsion (to hold Yoga Day in schools). We are encouraging yoga for the betterment of one and all,” he said. 

“We have not declared a holiday as yoga is a morning activity. From 6 am to 7.30 am, after the activity is finished, they can go to work. You can opt to take leave on your own account. No special holiday has been announced,” Naik said.

The Minister also said the main International Yoga Day event would be held in Lucknow and attended by over 51,000 yoga enthusiasts, along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. “Over 51,000 people will be participating. As there is paucity of space, screens will be put up in eight to nine parks nearby and simultaneously Yoga will be conducted,” Naik said.“The situation is that 100 per cent countries in the world will do Yoga this year,” the North Goa Lok Sabha member said.