
"We thank the government for promoting Zumba in schools," says Kerala School teacher
The initiative has been included in the school curriculum with the objective of enhancing physical fitness and supporting the mental well-being of students.
While speaking to ANI, Sangeetha C said, 'We are very excited to have Zumba in our school. The children need physical fitness. We thank the Kerala government for promoting Zumba in schools...'
A student from the same school, Aleeda Mariya, shared similar sentiments. 'We are excited to be a part of the Zumba initiative brought by the Kerala government. We enjoy doing it. It is fun to do this,' she said.
This program is part of the anti-drug campaign in schools in Kerala, aimed at helping students manage stress through physical activity. However, the initiative has faced criticism for allegedly encouraging inappropriate intermingling of boys and girls.
Speaking to ANI, Roma Mansoor, a certified International Zumba Fitness instructor, said, 'I am happy to say that the Kerala government has taken initiative to promote Zumba in schools. It is a great initiative because nowadays children are addicted to many things that ruin their mindset. Zumba can help them relax their mind...It will help the children to increase their confidence. As it is a calorie-burning workout, it is a good move for weight management also...'
Earlier on June 28, Muslim groups in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram raised strong objections after the state education department introduced Zumba dance in schools, stating that they can't accept girls and boys intermingling, dancing together, or wearing minimal clothing.
The education department, on the other hand, defended its decision, saying the Zumba sessions were voluntary and were introduced under a statewide initiative to help students cope with academic pressure and discourage drug abuse.
Meanwhile, Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty strongly defended the inclusion of Zumba dance in schools, stating that raising objections to such activities would inject poison that is more deadly than drugs into society. (ANI)

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


India Gazette
3 hours ago
- India Gazette
India-Trinidad Tobago sign six MoUs to boost cooperation
Port of Spain [Trinidad and Tobago] July 5 (ANI): India and Trinidad and Tobago have signed six agreements during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Caribbean nation to strengthen bilateral cooperation in key areas, including infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, development projects, sports, education, cultural exchange programs and diplomatic training. The six Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed following delegation-level talks between PM Modi and his Trinidad and Tobago counterpart Kamla Persad-Bissessar in Port of Spain on Friday. The MoUs include an agreement on the Indian Pharmacopoeia, which aims to provide improved access to Indian pharmaceutical products in the Trinidad and Tobago market, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated in a statement. To strengthen the development corporation partnership between the two countries, an agreement was signed for an Indian grant to implement Quick Impact Projects (QIP). Agreements were also signed to strengthen cooperation in sports, diplomatic training and the re-establishment of two ICCR Chairs of Hindi and Indian Studies at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Trinidad and Tobago. An MoU on the Programme of Cultural Exchanges for the period 2025-2028 was also signed. Along with the MoUs, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also announced the extension of the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards facility up to 6th generation of Indian Diaspora members in Trinidad and Tobago, allowing them to live and work in India without restrictions. Earlier, this facility was available up to the 4th generation of Indian Diaspora members in the Caribbean nation. PM Modi also gifted 2000 laptops to school students in Trinidad and Tobago and announced formal handing over of agro-processing machinery (USD 1 million) to the National Agricultural Marketing and Development Corporation (NAMDEVCO) and the holding of Artificial Limb Fitment Camp (poster-launch) in Trinidad and Tobago for 50 days for 800 people. The Indian Prime Minister further announced that under the 'Heal in India' program, specialised medical treatment will be offered to Trinidad and Tobago citizens. He also gifted twenty Hemodialysis Units and two Sea ambulances to the Caribbean nation to assist in the provision of healthcare. PM Modi announced the solarisation of the headquarters of T&T's Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs by providing rooftop photovoltaic solar panels. Enhancing the cultural ties between both nations, PM Modi announced the celebration of Geeta Mahotsav at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Cooperation in Port of Spain, coinciding with the Geeta Mahotsav celebrations in India. Earlier, Trinidad and Tobago PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar said that the nation is honoured to adopt the Indian UPI system and collaborate on India stack tools such as Aadhaar and DigiLocker to modernise public services. 'Trinidad and Tobago is honoured to adopt the Indian UPI system and collaborate on India stack tools such as Aadhaar and DigiLocker to modernise public services. On behalf of the children of Trinidad and Tobago, I thank you for your gift of 2000 laptops.' 'We are in discussions with Indian companies to participate in various energy-related projects here in Trinidad and Tobago. We are proud to join India-led initiatives such as the Global Biofuels Alliance,' she added. After concluding his visit to Trinidad and Tobago, PM Modi embarked on his visit to Argentina for the 3rd leg of his five-nation tour. PM Modi is headed for Buenos Aires at the official invitation of the President of the Republic of Argentina, Javier Milei. He will hold bilateral talks with President Milei to review ongoing cooperation and discuss ways to enhance further the India-Argentina partnership in key areas, including defence, agriculture, mining, oil and gas, renewable energy, trade, investment, and people-to-people ties. (ANI)


India Gazette
3 hours ago
- India Gazette
Congress insulting scientists who developed indigenous COVID vaccines: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], July 4 (ANI): Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Friday accused the Congress party of 'insulting India's scientific achievements' by questioning the efficacy of indigenous COVID-19 vaccines, demanding an apology from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Joshi condemned Congress leaders for 'baselessly doubting the vaccines that saved crores of lives.' 'They oppose Modi politically but are now undermining the very scientists who protected India and the world during the pandemic,' Joshi said. 'This is an insult to our nation's achievements,' he added. Joshi challenged Siddaramaiah to clarify whether the state government links COVID-19 vaccines to recent heart attack cases. 'The CM must apologise to scientists and the public for this irresponsible narrative,' he said. Highlighting India's vaccine milestones, he noted: 'Congress ruled for 60 years but didn't develop a single indigenous vaccine. Under Modi, we produced 240 crore doses, vaccinated 120 crore Indians, and supplied vaccines to 150 countries.' Joshi also targeted the Siddaramaiah-led government over infighting, citing MLAs who allegedly exposed 'corruption and zero development.' 'An anti-Congress wave is brewing within their party,' he said, referencing MLAs B.R. Patil and Basavaraj Rayareddy's corruption allegations. Responding to Karnataka's demand for central aid, Joshi stated: 'We'll fund development, not corruption. Let them submit a proper plan.' (ANI)


India Gazette
11 hours ago
- India Gazette
India establishes first internationally recognised equine disease-free compartment at RVC Centre in Meerut
New Delhi [India], July 4 (ANI): In a significant milestone for India's animal health system and international trade facilitation, the country has established and secured global recognition for its first Equine Disease-Free Compartment (EDFC). Recognised by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) on July 3, this approved facility at the Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) Centre and College, Meerut Cantonment, Uttar Pradesh, marks a major step towards enabling the international movement of Indian sport horses in compliance with global biosecurity and animal health standards. According to the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, with the implementation of robust biosecurity protocols, stringent veterinary surveillance, and adherence to international norms, Indian sport horses from this facility are now eligible to travel and compete abroad. This significantly enhances the prospects of Indian riders and horses in global equestrian competitions, raising India's profile in the international equestrian arena. The compartment also supports the broader development of horse-related activities in the country, including sports, breeding, and high-value equine trade, while strengthening India's biosecurity and disease preparedness framework. 'The EDFC has been officially declared free from Equine Infectious Anaemia, Equine Influenza, Equine Piroplasmosis, Glanders, and Surra. Additionally, India has historically remained free from African Horse Sickness since 2014.' Ministry added Ministry further added that This achievement is the result of close coordination among the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying; the Directorate of Remount Veterinary Services, Ministry of Defence; the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI); and the Animal Husbandry Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh. The approval follows the standards outlined in the WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Code, which provides the framework for compartmentalisation--a science-based approach for managing a defined animal subpopulation with a distinct health status, maintained through stringent biosecurity and husbandry practices. The EDFC operates under comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) encompassing disease exclusion protocols, pest control, physical security, hygiene, sanitation, animal health monitoring, waste management, and continuous surveillance, all aligned with international best practices. This recognition underscores India's growing leadership in implementing internationally harmonised, science-based animal health systems that facilitate safe trade and support emerging sectors, such as equestrian sports. Importantly, India is also applying the same compartmentalisation approach to the poultry sector, with the development of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Free Compartments to enable the safe export of poultry products from certified establishments. Together, these efforts reflect a comprehensive national strategy to strengthen biosecurity, promote export readiness, and build resilient animal health systems aligned with global standards. (ANI)