Key Points
Tamil groups challenge Union government's language and education policies
Protest targets Amit Shah's Isha Foundation event
Controversy over environmental clearances at yoga centre
Mahashivratri celebrations to feature cultural performances
The tussle between the Tamil Nadu state government and the Union government over the implementation of the New Education Policy (NEP) and its three-language policy has been a point of contention for some time. The DMK-led state government has repeatedly accused the central government of neglecting Tamil Nadu and attempting to impose Hindi on its people. However, the Union government has clarified that it is not trying to impose Hindi on Tamil Nadu and respects the Tamil language.
The protest will also condemn the buildings which have been built in the Isha Foundation Yoga Centre without receiving any environmental clearance since 2006. This fact was accepted by Isha through an affidavit in the Madras High Court and later it urged the Environmental Control Board to take criminal action against Isha Foundation in 2018. Due to all these facts, Amit Shah's participation in the event would set a wrong precedent for others.
The Mahashivratri celebrations will be held at the Isha Foundation Yoga Meditation Centre from 6 pm to 6 am on February 26. Apart from Union Minister Amit Shah, the event will also be attended by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivkumar.
For the first time, Sadhguru will be offering the midnight Mahamantra (Om Namah Shivay) initiation, chanting that can bring ultimate well-being. Sadhguru will also unveil a free meditation app, Miracle of the Mind, featuring a 7-minute guided meditation designed to help individuals establish a simple yet powerful daily practice, a release said.
The night will feature enthralling performances by renowned artists like Ajay-Atul, Muktidan Gadhvi, Paraox, CassMae, Sounds of Isha, Isha Samskriti, and multi-regional artists, keeping audiences captivated throughout the 12-hour celebration.