Latest news with #InternationalDayagainstDrugAbuse
New Indian Express
15 hours ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
More Muslim groups come out against Zumba sessions in Kerala schools
KOZHIKODE: The education department's decision to introduce zumba sessions in school curriculum to fight drug menace is now at the centre of controversy, with more Muslim organisations coming out opposing the move. After Wisdom Islamic Organisation, the Sunni Yuvajana Sangham (SYS) has also criticised the decision, alleging that it violates moral norms. However, opposition to the initiative — intended to promote the physical and mental well-being of students and teachers — has invited sharp criticism from various corners. Such opposition will take society backwards, social activists said. The first objection was raised by Wisdom Islamic Organisation general secretary T K Ashraf in a Facebook post on Thursday. Ashraf, a school teacher from Palakkad, told TNIE that neither he nor his children took part in the zumba sessions arranged at the school as part of International Day against Drug Abuse. 'I send my child to a public school for quality education — not to promote a culture where boys and girls mingle, wear short clothes, and dance to music,' he said. By Friday, more leaders echoed similar sentiments. Abdussamad Pookkottur, state secretary of Sunni Yuvajana Sangham (SYS), the youth organisation of the Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulama, labelled zumba harmful to moral values and urged parents to respond critically. Another SYS leader, Nazar Faizy Koodathai, also argued that group dancing in 'vulgar' attire is objectionable, especially in the case of older students. 'Zumba goes against Indian moral values. From what I understand, it involves students wearing tight clothes and dancing together. This cannot be tolerated. The government should have consulted student organisations before taking such a decision,' he told TNIE. However, the criticism was swiftly countered by social activists and LDF leaders. Progressive Women's Forum president V P Zuhra accused leaders of Muslim organisations of trying to steer Kerala towards Taliban-style conservatism. 'How can a teacher like Ashraf say boys and girls should not be together? Their aim is to pull the youth backwards. The youth must resist this,' Suhara said.
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
The intoxication of creativity
Life is a delicate balance. Work and play, family and friends, south and north, potholes and traffic, biryani and diet plan. What a task indeed, to navigate through them all! For a certain lot, the balance between brilliance and madness is a thin line. Artists easily fall into this category. No surprises there, for the world has already created this stereotypical image of an artist — hair ignored, thoughtlessly dressed, bearded (for portrayals are all male), and of course, with eyes bloodshot with intoxication — the epitome of eccentricity. The typecast may be unfair, as most artists are as normal as any banker or engineer could be. Yet, it is also true that sometimes, artistic brilliance and its expression find their inspiration in the call of drugs. Today is the International Day against Drug Abuse, observed by the United Nations to achieve a world that is liberated from drug abuse. It is also the perfect time to talk about creative geniuses whose lives were cut short at the peak of their careers, when alcohol and substance abuse extinguished the fire that produced their haunting masterpieces.
Sharjah 24
21-06-2025
- Health
- Sharjah 24
Salem Al-Doubi warns of dangers of drugs
Global Day Message Speaking to 'Sharjah24' on the occasion of the International Day against Drug Abuse, held this year under the slogan 'An Aware Family… A Safe Society,' Sheikh Salem Al-Doubi described drugs as highly destructive, affecting the mind, damaging health, and tearing families apart. Emphasising the broader societal impact, he urged people to approach the issue with wisdom and awareness, affirming that staying away from drugs is the key to safety and true success.
