The first International Yoga Day was celebrated across the world on June 21.
But in India, several political leaders left no stone unturned in politicising the day. For some, it was against any particular religion while some others said it was against the spirit of the Constitution of India.
Yoga is considered an 'immortal cultural outcome' of the Indus-Saraswati Valley civilisation. The government documents say that word 'Yoga' is derived from the Sanskrit root 'Yuj', meaning to join or to unite and dates back to 2,700 BC.
India TV brings to you the top 5 controversial remarks made on this day:
Kiran Bedi, BJP leader
Miracle of collective chant of Shanti, Shanti, Shanti by millions brings pre-monsoon showers in Delhi. Reduces heat and cools even the trees.
Zafaryab Jilani, All India Muslim Personal Law Board
"The world may be celebrating the International Yoga Day, but today I am very much sad. This is because the chanting of OM. This is against the religious freedom of India and also against the Constitution. I don't care about 250 cities in 193 counties celebrating this day. I don't practice yoga but if few practices like chanting of mantras and surya namaskar removed from this I don't have any objection.
Sadhvi Prachi, BJP MP
Those who are opposing Yoga, Geeta, OM and Ved are protesting humanity. OM is the name of God. Why to oppose this? This is the tendency of Muslims... they oppose practices of Hindus. Om means truth... it describes the Universe. If OM is removed from Yoga, the zeal will be lost. Muslims are unaware about it. They should study scriptures. They should not politicise the Yoga.
H Ajaneya, Karnataka Social Welfare Minister
Yoga is for lazy people, especially people belonging to well-to-do families. They do not have time for exercise in the open including taking a walk.
Sakshi Maharaj, BJP MP
In Islam, the biggest name is that of Mohammed and I think Mohammed saab is a great yogi. I think that a Muslim is one with 'iman', thus a Mussalman. I am a true Muslim.
