No compulsion of chanting ‘Om’ during Yoga Day, says Naik

Trying to dispel the controversy over chanting of ‘Om’ during the World Yoga Day programme, Ayush Minister Shripad Naik on Wednesday said there was “no compulsion” to say it. The ministry said there was no change even in “a full stop or a comma” in the protocol of exercises performed last year and that Surya Namaskar would also not be a part of the programme. However, this year the programme will be extended by 10 minutes.

“Om is a universal word. There is no religious connotation to it. It will be a part of the yoga day programme just like last year, but it has not been made compulsory. Those who want to chant 'Om' can do it. Others can say something else they wish. It's up to them,” Naik said.

Chanting of Om during yoga day programme is being opposed by some sections of minorities.

Referring to media reports, he said even Vice-President Hamid Ansari’s wife Salma had said there was nothing wrong in chanting ‘Om’ while performing yoga and, if one chants it, the oxygen intake in the body increases. “Any good thing is opposed. Last year also we did it,” he said.