Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: A Directorate of Education (DoE) circular mandating attendance for teachers, students and parents at International Yoga Day celebrations at 6 am on Sunday, June 21, has triggered widespread criticism from educators, parent-teacher associations and community leaders across Goa.
Opponents of the directive have described it as insensitive, citing concerns over the loss of a weekly holiday, transportation challenges for students, and clashes with religious obligations, particularly within the Catholic community.
Catholic Association of Goa (CAG) President Cyril Fernandes criticised the government’s decision, saying it places an unnecessary burden on teachers, students and parents.
“Sunday is traditionally a day of rest and religious observance for many families. Compelling attendance disrupts personal and religious commitments. The decision also overlooks the needs of children attending special schools,” Fernandes said, urging the government to reconsider the directive.
Advocate Fr Michael Fernandes said the mandatory programme could interfere with Sunday Mass and catechism classes.
“Attendance at Sunday Mass is a religious obligation for Catholics. In many villages, morning Masses conclude by 8 am, while this Sunday also marks the start of catechism classes. The decision does not appear to have taken these realities into account,” he said.
School administrators also expressed concern over the timing and implementation of the programme.
Dattatray Naik, Headmaster of MIBK High School, Khandepar, questioned the need to call students to school at such an early hour.
“Parents will have to arrange transport and prepare children well before dawn. The programme could have been organised during regular school hours instead of on a holiday,” he said.
Pravin Concar, Headmaster of A J Almeida High School, Ponda, pointed to confusion surrounding the government’s instructions.
“Schools have been directed to send students and teachers to designated venues while simultaneously making arrangements at the school level. Many institutions lack adequate facilities, and the inconvenience faced by teachers travelling long distances has not been considered,” he said.
Parent-Teacher Association representatives also voiced their opposition.
PTA chairman Rupesh Shinkre said the observance could have been held on a working day rather than a Sunday.
“Parents will have to wake children early and make arrangements at home to ensure they reach school by 6 am. Yoga can be practised anywhere and should not become a burden on families,” he said.
PTA member Cecille Rodrigues stressed that yoga should be promoted through encouragement rather than compulsion.
“Teachers have already been engaged in census and election duties and have had little opportunity for rest. Sunday is often their only day for family and recovery. Wellness cannot be achieved through mandatory participation,” she said.
Responding to the criticism, Director of Education Shailesh S. Zingde said the programme is part of a Government of India initiative focused on public health and wellness.
He said the government had taken note of concerns regarding travel distances and religious commitments and had therefore provided flexibility in participation.
“To reduce inconvenience, students, teachers and parents may attend yoga sessions at nearby venues instead of travelling to their schools. Local authorities have been encouraged to organise programmes in accessible community spaces, including church premises and neighbourhood centres,” Zingde said.
He added that most programmes are expected to conclude by 8 am, allowing participants adequate time to attend religious services and other commitments.
While the Education Department has defended the initiative as a non-political effort promoting healthy living, the directive has sparked a broader debate over balancing government programmes with the practical, social and religious concerns of citizens. Several stakeholders continue to demand that participation be made voluntary rather than mandatory.
