My Controversy

While scouring the internet for an interesting controversy to write about, I discovered this article regarding an ongoing Hindu-Muslim religious controversy in India.

Moftah, Lora. "International Yoga Day 2015: Hindu, Muslim Religious Controversy Plagues Indian Heritage Celebration." Screenshot from my computer.

This article, found in the International Business Times, speaks of the International Yoga Day in India. This campaign was advocated by Indian prime minister Narendra Modi as a day to celebrate national pride throughout India in the form of yoga. However, despite the government's claim that this event is optional and non-religious, many Muslim activist groups have criticized the event as a way for Hindus to force non-Hindus to practice some of their religious practices. The event has added to a longstanding conflict between Hindu nationalist groups and Muslim organizations due to its apparent religious connotation. Having been raised in a predominantly Hindu family, I have always noticed this tension between Hindus and Muslims, but I never truly understood the extent of this conflict, or even the reasons behind it. This article really opened my eyes to the scope of this ongoing religious conflict in the country, which seems to have only been exacerbated by the implementation of an International Yoga Day.