Even as the idea of making yoga compulsory in schools across the country has gained momentum in view of the International Yoga Day on Sunday, Tamil Nadu has already introduced yoga in schools.
It has already been in practice in government, government-aided, Corporation, Anglo-Indian and other schools across the State since July 2012.
A GO to that effect had been passed on July 6, 2012.
As per the order issued by T. Sabitha, Principal Secretary, Department of School Education, simple yoga should be practised for 15 minutes daily, 30 minutes before the lunch break.
The order further said that the another 15 minutes should be devoted for sensitising students to values, physical education, arts, life and environment. They must also be imparted training on first aid and self defence.
Explaining the importance of bringing changes in the daily routine of the schools, the order said that it was to enable the students to avoid stress while studying. It was also aimed at imparting leadership and interpersonal skills to the students.
Well-trained masters
N. Anandi, Chief Educational Officer, Tiruchi, told The Hindu on Thursday that yoga was practised initially with the well-trained masters. Later, all physical education teachers were given extensive training on yoga. They had been conducting yoga classes for 15 minutes daily.
M. Ponnammal, Chief Educational Officer, SSA, Karur, said that most of the schools had been conducting yoga session daily since the receipt of circular from the State government.
GO says simple yoga should be practised for 15 minutes daily, 30 minutes before the lunch break
