Kerala Govt's Zumba Dance Row: 'Parents Can't Opt Out' Says Education Minister Amid Resistance
Several religious leaders claim that the compulsory introduction of the Zumba dance entails two opposite genders mingling and dancing together wearing minimal clothes and it would have far-reaching consequences for moral principles.
Making the objection clear, TK Ashraf, general secretary of the Wisdom Islamic Organization, said his son would not participate in the sessions as he cannot accept the newly introduced program. Following this, leaders of prominent Muslim organizations such as Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulama also expressed disapproval to the compulsory training of Zumb dance.
Nasar Faizy Koodathai, a leader of Samastha, said that Zumba is a method of dancing together while wearing minimal clothes, and if the government has instructed even older children to do this, it is “objectionable.”
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He further pointed out the move is 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. “Instead of improving the existing physical training, do not force vulgarity,” the Samastha leader said.
Muslim Education Society (MES) state president P. K. Abdul Gafoor said that Zumba dance does not need to be included in the syllabus, adding that Zumba, Yoga and all other such practices can be done as per individuals preferences. Gafoor defended religions leaders’ objection to Zumba dance, stating they are the ones who will talk about the religious matters.
Several schools have already begun offering Zumba training sessions from this academic year. Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty has, however, defended the move, asserting that the government will move forward with its decision. He also shared a Facebook post showing students participating in a Zumba session from Thanbeehul Islam Higher Secondary School in Kasaragod.
He also dismissed the allegations of wearing shorts and minimal clothes, saying that no one asks students to wear short clothes. He said that children wear school uniforms and perform dances.
The minister also cited the Right to Education (RTE), stating that parents have no choice in the matter as children must participate in the learning processes prescribed by the government.
They should understand that this is being conducted as part of an anti-drug campaign and awareness classes. Such objections will spread more poisonous than drugs in our society. “It will facilitate communalism and differences instead of improving education,” the minister added.
Notably, the education department had earlier said that Zumba sessions were voluntary, and it was introduced as an attempt to help students cope with academic pressure and drug issues.
