Home India News Kerala health minister objects to ‘Keertan’ during Yoga Day celebrations

Kerala health minister objects to ‘Keertan’ during Yoga Day celebrations

By Twocircles.net Staff Reporter

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala health minister K K Shyalaja has expressed her discontent over the recital of a Hindu ‘Keertan’ (prayer chants) during International Yoga Day celebrations held at the Thiruvananthapuram Central Stadium.

The minister, who refused to chant the Keertan, expressed her displeasure during her speech after the mass programme. “Yoga is practiced by people irrespective of their religion. Those, who are left without particular religions have their own ways to find purity and peace. They don’t prefer certain prayers. The organisers should have selected a prayer which is acceptable to all sections,” she said.

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The minister, who sought an explanation from the officials of Ayush department, later denied the news saying she hadn’t asked for any kind of explanation from the officials concerned.

There is nothing controversial in speaking for those who don’t pray. It’s the right of a citizen,” the minister said.

However, the officials of Ayush Department said that they followed the manual by the Union Government. In a response to the minister’s statement, former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said that it was unfortunate and the minister needed not to be intolerant towards the Keertan.