Muslim groups oppose Zumba in Kerala schools; state stands firm amid student enthusiasm
The Samastha Kerala Sunni Yuvajana Sangham (SYS), the youth wing of the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, has raised strong objections to the introduction of Zumba dance in schools across Kerala.
Synopsis: Kerala’s school-wide Zumba sessions, introduced on 26 June as part of an anti-drug campaign, have drawn criticism from some Muslim organisations, who say the activity clashes with cultural and moral values. The State government has stood by the programme, amid strong support from students, parents, and teachers.
Kerala schools turned into vibrant dance floors on 26 June as students, teachers, and even non-teaching staff swayed to energetic Zumba beats as part of a state-wide anti-drug campaign.
The colourful event, aimed at spreading awareness against substance abuse, was launched alongside the fifth phase of the state’s “No to Drugs” mission by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
However, once the music faded and students returned home, an unexpected controversy began to brew. Certain Muslim organisations raised objections, questioning the cultural and religious appropriateness of Zumba sessions in schools.
What began as a health-focused, joyful exercise is now at the centre of a heated debate – what role should religion play in a school fitness programme?
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Zumba evokes conservative criticism
The Samastha Kerala Sunni Yuvajana Sangham (SYS), the youth wing of the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, has raised strong objections to the introduction of Zumba dance in schools across Kerala.
SYS State Secretary Abdussamad Pookkottur voiced his concerns through a Facebook post, arguing that Zumba goes against moral values and urging parents to critically reflect on the impact of such activities on children.
SYS leaders allege that promoting this dance form in educational spaces undermines the moral fabric of society.
Pookkottur, in his post, called upon parents to wake up to what he described as a dangerous trend.
“We must seriously think about what values we are passing on to the next generation,” he wrote.
The Muslim Students Federation (MSF), the student wing of the Indian Union Muslim League, has also criticised the state government.
MSF State President PK Navas, speaking to South First, questioned the lack of proper studies and consultations before rolling out the programme.
‘‘When you introduce something like this in schools, it should follow a credible, research-backed process. Has the General Education Department held any consultations with teachers, students, or parents?’’ he asked.
Adding to the dissent, TK Ashraf, General Secretary of the Wisdom Islamic Organisation and a teacher himself, publicly announced that he would not implement the directive in his school.
In a Facebook post, he said his own child would also not participate in the Zumba sessions, despite any departmental pressure.
‘‘I enrolled my child in a government school for quality education, not to be part of a culture where boys and girls dance together in revealing clothes,’’ Ashraf wrote. He admitted that some might call his views outdated but stood firm on his stance.
Ashraf further alleged that teachers who oppose the initiative are being intimidated with warnings of disciplinary action.
‘‘Many teachers, students, and parents are silently opposing this but are afraid to speak out,’’ he claimed.
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Initiative part of the state’s anti-drug push
It was in March that the Chief Minister directed the Education Department to introduce Zumba dance in state government schools as part of an anti-drug awareness initiative.
The proposal, discussed in a recent workshop, was endorsed by Minister V Sivankutty, who assured its implementation from this academic year.
To enhance student well-being, teachers will undergo updated training to identify behavioural issues and strengthen relationships with students and parents, with SCERT overseeing the process. Schools will offer sports, yoga, and exercise programmes to promote physical and mental health.
Counselling services will be expanded for children affected by drug addiction and violence. Key measures include forming Teacher-Student Vigilance Committees, developing students’ physical fitness, and implementing a Joint Home Charter for personality development.
A mentoring network involving NSS, Scouts, and SPC volunteers will be established, and tuition centres will be monitored. Schools will coordinate SPC groups, health clubs, and life skills training to address ragging and stress.
Colleges will have dedicated teams to handle student complaints, while schools will set up friendly committees with teachers and alumni. Regular medical check-ups every six months and special programmes to reduce mobile screen addiction among children will also be introduced.
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‘We’re living in 2025, not the 19th century’
Education Minister V Sivankutty recently shared a video showcasing students from Thanbeehul Islam Higher Secondary School in Kasaragod enthusiastically participating in a Zumba event.
The video stood out as it featured girl students from a predominantly Muslim institution, at a time when certain Muslim organisations are voicing objections.
Backing the initiative, State Higher Education Minister R Bindhu described Zumba as a progressive step towards improving student health and mental well-being.
“We’re living in 2025, not the 19th century or medieval times. It’s important to think in tune with the present,” she told reporters, urging people to embrace modern educational approaches.
The General Education Department also clarified that the Zumba sessions are part of the state government’s anti-drug awareness campaign With Childhood and Youth, which promotes the message Padanamaanu Lahari (Education is the real addiction).
Officials stressed that the programme is aimed at safeguarding children from drug abuse by engaging them in positive and energetic activities.
Citing studies, the department pointed out that children with mental health struggles are more vulnerable to drug networks. Through activities like Zumba, the government hopes to boost students’ confidence, posture, motivation, and social skills.
Trained instructors will conduct the sessions, with full support from teachers and parents. The larger goal, officials said, is to promote physical fitness, emotional balance, and a drug-free future for Kerala’s youth.
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Schools report enthusiastic response from students and parents
When South First contacted the Thanbeehul Islam Higher Secondary School in Kasaragod, the district’s largest school with over 5,000 students from Class 1 to 12, faculty said it had an overwhelmingly positive response to the Zumba session.
Prajitha, the Physical Education teacher, told South First that students were thrilled to take part.
‘‘They were super happy and excited. For many, it was their first time experiencing something like this,’’ she said.
The school, which has a majority of Muslim students – especially girls – faced no objections or unwillingness from any student or parent.
‘‘In fact, now students and parents are asking us when the next Zumba session will be. Our only worry is how to give everyone a chance!’’ Prajitha added.
The event turned into a huge success, with the Education Minister even sharing their video on social media. Another teacher, Rashid P, echoed similar sentiments.
‘‘You can see in the video – every student was in their school uniform. There was nothing vulgar or inappropriate. The children were simply enjoying a group fitness activity,’’ he said.
The viral video of the large Zumba performance was captured by Ibrahim, another teacher from the school.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)