Kerala govt defends Zumba in schools, says ‘keep religion out of education’
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Thiruvananthapuram: Amid mounting protests over the introduction of Zumba in Kerala’s school curriculum, the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led state government has refused to roll back the decision, instead doubling down on its commitment to keep religion separate from public education.
The controversy erupted after the government announced earlier this year that Zumba, a high-energy fitness dance, would be introduced in schools as part of its physical education and anti-drug initiatives. The move has drawn sharp criticism from religious organisations, particularly SAMSATHA, which has a significant influence over religious education in Kerala and beyond. Critics argue that Zumba could erode moral values, and claim it promotes inappropriate conduct among students.
On Saturday, the protests intensified as more groups joined in, raising concerns about mixed-gender participation and cultural sensibilities. In response, CPI(M) Polit Bureau member and former education minister M. A. Baby told the media in Kozhikode that while organisations had the right to express views, they should not dictate the educational agenda.
“In a secular country, religion should be kept out of public education. Children must grow up interacting with one another without discrimination,” Baby said. “Those opposing Zumba should reconsider their stance.”
Education Minister V. Sivankutty also defended the initiative, stating that the backlash against Zumba is “more dangerous than the drug menace.” He clarified that the programme was part of a broader anti-drug campaign and described it as a short physical activity session conducted during school hours with students in uniform.
Sivankutty warned that bowing to such protests would drag Kerala “into the dark ages,” emphasising that the resistance stems from a misplaced understanding of cultural values.
However, critics from various Islamic organisations continued to express their objections. Kerala Nadvathul Mujahideen state president Hussain Madavoor said, “Even if performed in school uniform, we cannot support boys and girls dancing together. It will affect their mental state.”
Wisdom Islamic Organisation general secretary T. K. Ashraf echoed these concerns, stating, “Children are not sent to school for mixed-gender dance sessions. It is unfair to brand those opposing Zumba as extremists.”
The Zumba controversy follows previous flashpoints over the CPI(M) government’s progressive educational reforms. Past attempts to introduce gender-neutral uniforms and eliminate gender-based seating arrangements in schools also faced stiff opposition. Former education minister M. A. Baby, during his tenure from 2006 to 2011, was similarly accused of promoting atheism through school textbooks, leading to the withdrawal of certain content.
This latest clash, emerging in the wake of the CPI(M)’s poor performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, marks yet another test of the government’s resolve to pursue secular and inclusive policies in education.
