NAGPUR : At Edara-E-Bageyatus Salehat, a little-known all-girls madrassa run from a residential colony off Kamptee Road, yoga is a part of the daily regime.

TOI had reported about the madrassa on January 11, 2009, as a part of its Teach India campaign highlighting novel education initiatives.

Against the background of the controversy triggered by the state government ’s International Yoga Day diktat to schools to remain open on June 21 that drew sharp reactions from Muslim clerics and leaders, TOI contacted those at the Salehat once again. Though it was closed for vacation, the cleric heading the madrassa said the yoga classes continue.

“Yoga sessions are held each day after the evening namaz. Unlike any other orthodox institution, there is a special emphasis on physical fitness here at Salehat,” says Maulana Razzak who heads the institution.

“There is no taboo against yoga in Islam. Physical fitness has always been promoted in Muslim culture and yoga is a good exercise. This not only helps in keeping the girls in good health but also instills discipline,” Razzak added.

Yoga teacher Anjum Mazi said she learnt yoga during her days as a madrassa student at Mumbra near Mumbai. “So far I have worked for three-four such institutions and have also taught yoga everywhere. The sessions last for 10-15 minutes every day. It is basically done to keep fit. Of course certain postures like folding hands or Surya Namaskar are avoided,” said Mazi.

Since Yoga also involves Surya Namaskar or bowing to the sun god, Muslim organizations say the order infringes on the religious rights of Muslims who worship and bow only to Allah during namaz.

Yoga sessions are followed by advice on good diet, and leading a diligent lifestyle. At Mumbra, Maulana Ayub Bhatkal regularly performed this exercise which inspired others too, said Mazi.

Apart from Mazi there is another expert, also a woman teacher , who comes and inspects the students’ progress from time-to-time, said the Maulana.

Salehat, which imparts both religious as well modern teaching, has 250 students. “In a typically conservative society, there is no place for women’s freedom, and Salehat is an attempt to break the shackles. There is a deliberate focus on physical activities as it helps in building the girls’ personality. They also play football and tennis here,” said Javed Ansari of United Students Association which founded the madrassa.

Some yoga exercises were also learnt watching yoga guru Baba Ramdev on television. It has helped in inculcating good habits among the inmates, especially rising early, Ansari said.

Abdul Gaffoor Parekh , businessman and a protagonist of liberal thought said, yoga should be isolated from any particular religion. “For example the word aum. Even the Muslims can be convinced if they are made to understand that it only relates to God, no matter by a different name,” said Parekh.

