Kerala health minister KK Shylaja had created a political storm when she sought an explanation from officials for inclusion of a Sanskrit shloka chant in the programme schedule of the International Yoga Day celebrations.

Reacting to the incident that happened on June 21st, RSS mouthpiece Organiser has said that such criticism was by so-called secular people who wore anti-Modi glasses.

“Kerala Health Minister KK Shailaja questioned the use of chants and prayers before public Yoga performance held as part of International Yoga Day at Thiruvananthapuram. Again the logic is Yoga belongs to all but it should be ‘secular yoga’. Can there be Communism without European understanding of class struggle? Can there be global Capitalism without being intrinsically rooted in the American version of neo-liberalism? Similarly, Yoga cannot be separated from Sanskrit and scientific way of chanting and breathing. The Hindu view of life which sees unity in diversity tries to bring healthy way of bringing harmony within and with the outside world. Again the problem is, tainted glasses of Communism with headstand position, compel them to see everything with divisive and upside-down mindset.” 

While taking part in the Yoga Day celebrations in Thiruvananthapuram, Shailaja had said, “Yoga is not part of any religion and it can be practised by one and all. Since our country is secular, we should ensure that Yoga too remains in the secular domain. Before one begins yoga, a believer can offer prayers to his or her own God, and for those who were non-believers, they have their own means to keep their mind focused on the same.”