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NDTV
01-07-2025
- Health
- NDTV
'Parties Where Murders Happen': Kerala Groups Oppose Zumba In Schools
The Kerala government's decision to introduce Zumba classes in state schools as part of its anti-drug and mental wellness initiative has run into deep trouble. While the move aims to promote physical fitness and mental well-being among students, it is facing widespread criticism from Muslim organisations and cultural groups. The state government said that opposing it was "more venomous than a narcotic substance". The opposition, Congress, said they had nothing against Zumba classes in schools, but it was better not to impose such practices. General Education Minister V. Sivankutty explained that some people were purposefully causing problems and that nothing detrimental to children was being done. What is a Zumba dance? Zumba is a high-intensity physical activity program that blends dance techniques with Latin and international music. It is intended to be an energetic and fun cardio workout and is often described as a "fitness party." It is a fun mix of all dance styles, such as hip hop, belly dance, samba, salsa and merengue. Why are people opposing it? Some Muslim groups argue that Zumba promotes Western values and goes against moral values. It involves mixed-gender dancing, which could bring a negative culture into the school environment, they say. TK Ashraf, a leader from the Wisdom Islamic Organisation, strongly opposed the idea of Zumba in schools and compared it to a DJ party "where people get drunk and where even murders happen." He said that both genders dancing together could be seen as inappropriate and that allowing this in schools would mean encouraging a culture against traditional values. Abdussamad Pookkottur, Samastha Kerala Sunni Yuvajana Sangham (SYS) leader, also raised moral concerns about Zumba in schools, saying that schools already have physical education classes to take care of students' fitness and mental health, so there was no need to bring Zumba, a part of Western culture, into our schools. He suggested introducing drill or yoga, which don't belong to the West and align with Indian culture. Why does the Kerala government want Zumba in schools? Earlier this year, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced that every school will conduct a 30-minute Zumba session before the final bell each day. It will help them get rid of the stress they carry and will counter the menace of drug abuse among young people. Rahul Mamkootathil, the leader of the Youth Congress and an MLA for Palakkad, firmly backed the government's decision to implement the Zumba dance in schools, arguing that it is an attempt to safeguard children's health and that there is no need to stir up controversy. He said, "During this time of lifestyle diseases, it is good to give children awareness about the need to protect their health from a school level." State Higher Education Minister R. Bindhu defended the initiative, stating, "We are well into the 21st century-it is 2025. We are not living in the 19th century or the primitive medieval period. Everyone should think in accordance with the times." Is the Kerala government withdrawing it? Despite the criticism, the Kerala government has stood firm in its decision to introduce Zumba dance. Mr Sivankutty said they are open to talking to people who have concerns regarding the Zumba program, but have no plans to take a step back from their current decision.
Hindustan Times
28-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
'Against moral values': Muslims groups oppose Zumba lessons at Kerala schools
The introduction of Zumba, a high-energy fitness programme, to schools in Kerala has sparked uproar from Muslim groups in the state, who say the dance goes "against moral values". (Image for representation) Zumba, a high-energy fitness programme, has been introduced for students in many Kerala schools(Unsplash) Many schools in the southern state have started offering Zumba training with the aim to reduce stress among students, and counter the menace of drug abuse. The development came following a directive from chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan. However, some Muslims groups are critical of this initiative, and also want parents to reconsider before letting their children take part in the routine. 'Zumba dance is against moral values,' claimed Abdussamad Pookkottur, state secretary of the Samastha Kerala Sunni Yuvajana Sangham (SYS), in a Facebook post. TK Ashraf, general secretary of the Wisdom Islamic Organisation, also opposed the move, saying he enrolled his son into a school to get quality education and "not to learn a culture where boys and girls, wearing minimal clothing, dance together to the rhythm of music.' Ashraf has vowed that as a teacher, he will not be implementing the initiative and prepared to face any action. He also said his son would not participate in the dance routine. 'There may be people who see this as progressive. I am not one of them - I admit I am old-fashioned in this regard,' he added. Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama leader Nassar Faizy Koodathai also said that Zumba requires minimal clothing, urging to "not force vulgarity" upon students. "This is also a violation of the personal freedom and fundamental rights of students whose moral sense does not allow them to express their anger and dance together," the leader said. The Muslim Students Federation (MSF), the student wing of the Indian Union Muslim League, has also opposed the initiative, alleging it was introduced without any proper studies. "Has the General Education Department conducted any study or held discussions with students, teachers, and parents before implementing this?' asked MSF state president P K Navas. Education department defends move Amid mounting criticism from Muslims groups, the Kerala education department defended the Zumba initiative for schools, saying it promotes mental and physical well-being. 'We are well into the 21st century—it is 2025. We are not living in the 19th century or the primitive medieval period. Everyone should think in accordance with the times,' said Kerala Higher Education Minister R Bindhu. The General Education Department also voiced support to Zumba, saying the sessions are part of the state government's anti-drug campaign "With Childhood and Youth". Studies have shown that children struggling with mental health issues are more likely to be trapped by drug networks, the department said, clarifying that with Zumba, the goal is to offer positive, healthy alternatives to children. (With PTI, ANI inputs)
Time of India
28-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Zumba Dance Program Kerala: Zumba dance programme in Kerala schools faces opposition from Muslim groups, ET Education
Advt Advt Thiruvananthapuram, Zumba dance, a high-energy fitness programme introduced in schools in Kerala by the General Education Department as part of its anti-drug campaign, is facing opposition from certain Muslim groups who argue that it goes against moral programme was introduced in schools following a directive from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who stated that the dance- which combines dance and aerobic movements performed to lively music-would help reduce stress among schoolchildren and, in turn, counter the menace of drug abuse among young this academic year, many schools have begun offering Zumba training."Zumba dance is against moral values," claimed Abdussamad Pookkottur, state secretary of the Samastha Kerala Sunni Yuvajana Sangham (SYS), in a Facebook post on Friday, voicing his protest against the state government's initiative. He also urged parents to think more critically about the is the youth wing of the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, a prominent Sunni Muslim scholarly body in Higher Education Minister R Bindhu defended the initiative, saying Zumba benefits both children and the general public by promoting mental and physical well-being."We are well into the 21st century-it is 2025. We are not living in the 19th century or the primitive medieval period. Everyone should think in accordance with the times," Bindhu told reporters when asked about the Muslim Students Federation (MSF), the student wing of the Indian Union Muslim League, criticised the government for introducing the programme without conducting proper studies."When such a programme is introduced in schools, thorough and credible studies must be carried out. Has the General Education Department conducted any study or held discussions with students, teachers, and parents before implementing this?" asked MSF state president P K Navas.T K Ashraf, General Secretary of the Wisdom Islamic Organisation, said that as a teacher, he had chosen to step back from implementing the directive mandating Zumba in schools as part of the anti-drug campaign."My son will also not participate in this programme. I am prepared to face whatever action the department may take on this matter," he said in a Facebook said he enrolled his child in a government school to receive quality education-"not to learn a culture where boys and girls, wearing minimal clothing, dance together to the rhythm of music.""There may be people who see this as progressive. I am not one of them-I admit I am old-fashioned in this regard," he added, claiming that many teachers, students, and parents also disagree with the programme but choose to remain silent for fear of possible consequences."I've noticed attempts to intimidate people by saying they will have to provide explanations to the department or face disciplinary action if they do not comply," he General Education Department, however, stated that the Zumba sessions are intended to support students' mental health and are part of the state government's anti-drug campaign "With Childhood and Youth", which carries the message "Padanamaanu Lahari" (Education is the real addiction).The department said the goal is to steer children away from drugs by offering positive, healthy studies, officials noted that children struggling with mental health issues are more likely to be targeted by drug networks. In this context, Zumba is being introduced as a fun and energetic way to improve students' mental and physical to the department, Zumba and similar physical activities help children build confidence, improve posture, stay motivated, and develop social and life skills through group government added that trained instructors will conduct the dance sessions in the support of teachers and parents, the programme aims not only to promote mental balance and physical fitness but also to help build a drug-free future for the next generation, the department said.>
The Hindu
27-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Zumba in schools draws fire from Muslim groups; government stands firm on anti-drug push
A State-initiated Zumba dance programme, rolled out in schools across Kerala as part of a broader anti-drug campaign, has stirred controversy, drawing criticism from certain Muslim groups who claim the initiative contradicts their moral and cultural values. The programme, integrated by the General Education department into school schedule this academic year, aims to reduce stress among students and provide them with a healthy outlet to combat the rising threat of drug abuse. However, the initiative has been met with strong opposition from various Islamic organisations. Abdussamad Pookkottur, State secretary of the Samastha Kerala Sunni Yuvajana Sangham (SYS), the youth wing of the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, voiced his disapproval in a Facebook post, asserting that 'Zumba dance is against moral values' and urged parents to reconsider the programme's influence. Study or discussions The Muslim Students Federation (MSF) also questioned the decision-making process behind the initiative. MSF State president P.K. Navas said, 'When such a programme is introduced in schools, thorough and credible studies must be carried out. Has the department conducted any study or held discussions with students, teachers or parents?,' he asked. In a Facebook post, Wisdom Islamic Organisation general secretary T.K. Ashraf stated that he had opted out of implementing the programme as a teacher and would not allow his son to participate. He also criticised the programme's alleged promotion of 'a culture where boys and girls, wearing minimal clothing, dance together to the rhythm of music.' 'There may be people who see this as progressive. I am not one of them. I admit I am old-fashioned in this regard,' he wrote, adding that some educators and parents shared his concerns, but feared repercussions for speaking out. He also alleged pressure from the department, including threats of disciplinary action for non-compliance. Higher Education Minister R. Bindu strongly defended the initiative, and emphasised its role in promoting both mental and physical well-being. She dismissed objections as rooted in outdated ideology. Inclusive outlook 'We are well into the 21st century; it is 2025. We are not living in the 19th century or the primitive medieval period,' she said, urging critics to adopt a more progressive and inclusive outlook. 'Those who oppose such efforts will only end up isolating themselves.' She also expressed concern over the rise of 'hardline conservatism' and criticised what she called the resurgence of 'primitive thinking, discrimination and exclusion.' 'Women have gone to space. Unfortunately, some still cling to views from centuries past. What we need is a humane, inclusive outlook. When we say 'man,' it includes all of humanity, including women. Women have equal ownership of this world,' the Minister asserted.
Hindustan Times
27-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Zumba dance programme in Kerala schools faces opposition from Muslim groups
Thiruvananthapuram, Zumba dance, a high-energy fitness programme introduced in schools in Kerala by the General Education Department as part of its anti-drug campaign, is facing opposition from certain Muslim groups who argue that it goes against moral values. Zumba dance programme in Kerala schools faces opposition from Muslim groups The programme was introduced in schools following a directive from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who stated that the dance— which combines dance and aerobic movements performed to lively music—would help reduce stress among schoolchildren and, in turn, counter the menace of drug abuse among young people. From this academic year, many schools have begun offering Zumba training. 'Zumba dance is against moral values,' claimed Abdussamad Pookkottur, state secretary of the Samastha Kerala Sunni Yuvajana Sangham , in a Facebook post on Friday, voicing his protest against the state government's initiative. He also urged parents to think more critically about the programme. SYS is the youth wing of the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, a prominent Sunni Muslim scholarly body in Kerala. State Higher Education Minister R Bindhu defended the initiative, saying Zumba benefits both children and the general public by promoting mental and physical well-being. 'We are well into the 21st century—it is 2025. We are not living in the 19th century or the primitive medieval period. Everyone should think in accordance with the times,' Bindhu told reporters when asked about the controversy. The Muslim Students Federation , the student wing of the Indian Union Muslim League, criticised the government for introducing the programme without conducting proper studies. 'When such a programme is introduced in schools, thorough and credible studies must be carried out. Has the General Education Department conducted any study or held discussions with students, teachers, and parents before implementing this?' asked MSF state president P K Navas. T K Ashraf, General Secretary of the Wisdom Islamic Organisation, said that as a teacher, he had chosen to step back from implementing the directive mandating Zumba in schools as part of the anti-drug campaign. 'My son will also not participate in this programme. I am prepared to face whatever action the department may take on this matter,' he said in a Facebook post. Ashraf said he enrolled his child in a government school to receive quality education—'not to learn a culture where boys and girls, wearing minimal clothing, dance together to the rhythm of music.' 'There may be people who see this as progressive. I am not one of them—I admit I am old-fashioned in this regard,' he added, claiming that many teachers, students, and parents also disagree with the programme but choose to remain silent for fear of possible consequences. 'I've noticed attempts to intimidate people by saying they will have to provide explanations to the department or face disciplinary action if they do not comply,' he alleged. The General Education Department, however, stated that the Zumba sessions are intended to support students' mental health and are part of the state government's anti-drug campaign "With Childhood and Youth", which carries the message "Padanamaanu Lahari" . The department said the goal is to steer children away from drugs by offering positive, healthy alternatives. Citing studies, officials noted that children struggling with mental health issues are more likely to be targeted by drug networks. In this context, Zumba is being introduced as a fun and energetic way to improve students' mental and physical well-being. According to the department, Zumba and similar physical activities help children build confidence, improve posture, stay motivated, and develop social and life skills through group participation. The government added that trained instructors will conduct the dance sessions in schools. With the support of teachers and parents, the programme aims not only to promote mental balance and physical fitness but also to help build a drug-free future for the next generation, the department said. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
