Surya Namaskar not compulsory, says Chouhan

Participation in 'Surya Namaskar', as a part of Yoga training to be imparted in all government-run schools and colleges across Madhya Pradesh from January 25 is not compulsory, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Wednesday.

"Yoga is being introduced due to its positive effect on health," he told reporters at the Bharatiya Janata Party office in Bhopal.

'Surya Namaskar' is being introduced in the state's educational institutions following motivation by Yoga Guru Swami Ramdev who wants to set up a centre of the Patanjali Yoga Peeth in Madhya Pradesh on 2,500 hectares.

'Surya Namaskar' will take place at 9:00 am across the state on January 25.