“The objection by Muslim organizations and its supporter political parties to Surya Namaskar doesn’t make any sense. Amazingly, there is no objection about Gutkha, tobacco and liquor etc. from the opposition parties. Life without protest is useless. May God bless them with right thoughts,” Pt. Jha added.

“Surya Namaskar is the one of the best ancient scientific yogic exercise for healthy and happy life. It has total twelve postures, which make our brain and body active and healthy. It makes us more energetic, healthy, wise and happy. Surya Namaskar is for human welfare.”

“It is free from all religions, sects, castes and creeds. Solar energy is the free source of Vitamin-D. All essential vitamins can’t be absorbed in our body without the help of Vitamin-D. Spread the message of Samuhik Surya Namaskar at the Universal level. Don’t relate ‘life giver’ sun to any religion,” said Chief Guest and four time Mt. Everest climber Padmashree and Shailputri Santosh Yadav (IPS) in her message.

Calling the Surya Namaskar “un-Islamic”, Muslim groups had questioned if it was just yoga (with which Muslims had no issue), then there was no need to ask students to chant Sanskrit sholas, which are a part of Hindu prayer, asking the “Sun god to empower and enrich us with his power”.

Maulana Mufti Mukarram Ahmad of Fatehpuri Masjid told The Times of India that namaaz, going by this logic, was also a form of exercise, as you have to repeatedly stand and sit. “If for some yoga is secular, then do it without the shlokas. Even namaaz without the Quran's verses is an exercise, as people have to stand and sit frequently. Surya Namaskar is a prayer for the Sun god," he said.