Kerala Government Stands Firm on Zumba Classes Amid Protests

Kerala's education minister affirmatively remarked that the initiative aims to promote fitness and healthy living among students, despite ongoing protests from various religious organizations.

In a decisive stance amidst mounting opposition, the Kerala government has reaffirmed its commitment to integrating Zumba classes into public school curriculums, aimed primarily at combating rising drug use among students. The initiative, part of a larger anti-drug campaign launched last month, mandates that approximately 14,000 state-run schools in Kerala provide daily Zumba sessions, which have drawn sharp criticism from some religious factions.

The reaction from certain Hindu and Muslim organizations has been one of fervent disapproval. They label the government's initiative as a "cultural invasion," calling for a boycott among parents and educators on the grounds that the dance reflects inappropriate and foreign values that undermine religious beliefs and moral standards. While demonstrations have subsided, opposition to the program continues.

Education Minister V Sivankutty emphasized that the Zumba sessions are intended to be optional, allowing students the choice to participate or opt out, as religion should remain separate from education. "Those protesting are proving themselves to be more dangerous than any drug problem," he stated.

Protests first erupted alongside the government’s broader action plan to address drug-related issues in schools. This plan includes tighter security on campuses, awareness initiatives, rehabilitation efforts, alongside the introduction of Zumba classes. The government has outlined that trained Zumba instructors will be engaged to offer these sessions, which will be structured to accommodate both student and teacher convenience.

However, the opposition, led by influential groups such as the Samstha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulema, contests the appropriateness of boys and girls participating together in what they have described as "vulgar" attire. Spokesperson Nasar Faizy Koodathai asserted, "Zumba contradicts Indian moral values as it requires students to wear tight clothing and dance closely together."

The Bharatiya Vichara Kendram, a right-leaning organization, concurs with this sentiment, labeling Zumba a "foreign" concept. Its Director, R Sanjayan, questioned the motives behind promoting the dance as a solution to drug abuse, urging parents and students to resist the imposition of what he perceives as a threat to India's cultural uniqueness.

In response to the criticism, the government maintains that the integration of Zumba aims purely to foster a culture of fitness among students, emphasizing that proper school uniforms will be worn during the sessions, thereby addressing concerns regarding inappropriate attire. The ultimate goal, according to Sivankutty, is to facilitate mental and physical vitality that positively contributes to students’ academic and personal growth.