Yoga not connected to any religion, says Naidu

Yoga is the "most beautiful exercise" in the world, it has nothing to do with religion, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said today, urging people to refrain from raising "meaningless" controversies on the ancient exercise form.

Some people object to 'Surya Namaskar' despite the fact that 'Surya' or sun is nature, Naidu said here at the launch of the Assam government's new health scheme - 'Atal Amrit Abhiyan'.

"If you have a problem with Surya Namaskar, you can try Chandra Namaskar. Surya gives us light, it is not connected with any religion," he explained.

More than 170 countries have taken up the exercise after Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged people to make yoga a mass movement, the vice president claimed.

"Yoga brings unity in mind and body. That's why the entire world is looking towards India. Keep that in mind... Some people unnecessarily raise controversies, meaningless and absurd ones," he said