Dance Training Zumba, which takes place at Ernakulam Government Girls Higher Second School on Tuesday as part of the State Government’s initiative to include Zumba in schools to reduce drug abuse and reduce stress between children. | | Photo Credit: RK Nithin
The State -initiated Zumba dance program, which has been introduced in schools across Kerala as part of a wider anti -drugstore campaign, has provoked controversy and caused criticism from some Muslim groups claiming that the initiative is contrary to their moral and cultural values.
The aim of the program integrated by general education into the school plan is to reduce stress among students and provide them with healthy sales to combat the growing threat of drug abuse.
However, the initiative has encountered a strong opposition to various Islamic organizations. Abdussamad Pokkottur, State Secretary of Samastha Keral Sunni Yuvajana Sangham (Sys), Samastha youth wing Keral Jamiyyathul Ulam, expressed his disagreement in Facebook’s post and claimed that “Zumba dance is against moral values”.
Study or discussion
The Federation of Muslim Students (MSF) also questioned the decision -making process for the initiative. President MSF PK Navas said: “When such a program is introduced in schools, thorough and trustworthy studies must be conducted. The department has conducted any study or has been discussing with students, teachers or parents?” He asked.
In the Facebook post, the Secretary General of the Islamic Organization of Wisdom TK Ashraf said he decided to implement the program as a teacher and would not allow his son to participate. He also criticized the alleged promotion of the program “Culture where boys and girls, wearing minimal clothes, dancing together to the rhythm of music”.
“There may be people who consider it progressive. I’m not one of them. He also claimed the pressure of the ministry, including the threats of disciplinary proceedings for non -compliance.
The Minister of Higher Education R. Bindu strongly prevented this initiative and emphasized his role in promoting mental and physical well -being. She rejected objections as rooted in outdated ideology.
Inclusive outlook
“We are well until the 21st century; it is 2025. “Those who oppose such efforts are eventually isolated.”
She also expressed concern about the rise of “hard conservatism” and criticized what she called the revival of “primitive thinking, discrimination and exclusion”.
“Women have gone into space. Unfortunately, some of them still hold the views of the past centuries. We need a humane, inclusive view. When we say” man, “it includes all humanity, including women. Women have the same ownership of this world, ”said the minister.
Published – 27th June 2025 20:57
