Kerala won’t backtrack on Zumba in anti-drug drive, says minister

Kozhikode: The Kerala government on Saturday reiterated its commitment to introducing Zumba dance in state schools as part of its anti-drug campaign, dismissing the backlash as “more venomous than narcotic substances.”

Addressing media representatives, General Education Minister V. Sivankutty accused certain groups of intentionally stirring controversy over the initiative. He assured that the programme posed no harm to students.

"The government is ready to hold talks with those who have misunderstandings in this regard. But we have not taken any decision to backtrack from the government's present stand," he told reporters.

Zumba—a high-energy fitness programme introduced by the General Education Department—is facing pushback from certain Muslim groups who argue the activity contradicts their moral values. Clarifying the government’s stance, Sivankutty stressed that no harmful practices were being enforced under the programme.

He said there has been opposition from some quarters against the implementation of activities like Zumba, aerobics, and yoga in schools in the state.

However, it is important to understand that these activities are being implemented as part of anti-drug awareness.

"Such opposition will inject a poison more deadly than drugs in the society. Instead of improving the education sector, it will fuel communalism and sectarianism," Sivankutty said while replying to a question.

He emphasised that school activities involve only light exercises performed in uniform.

Citing the Right to Education (RTE) norms, he said children are required to participate in the learning processes prescribed by the government.

"The parent has no choice in the matter. The teacher is obligated to do what the department prescribes as per the conduct rules. No one has asked the children to wear skimpy clothes," the minister said.

Referring to previous protests over dress codes, including hijab bans in other states, he noted that progressive movements had responded with democratic and cultural dignity.

Apparently referring to Muslim outfits who have raised objections to the introduction of Zumba in schools, Sivankutty said some movements here are, however, adopting positions in favour of majority communalism.

"This is tantamount to turning a sheep into a dog. In a society like Kerala, where we live in harmony, such positions will only encourage majority communalism," he said.

Stressing the importance of physical activity in education, the minister said engaging in sports supports children’s mental and physical development.

This can have a positive impact on their learning and personality development, he said, adding that, therefore, it is essential to promote such healthy activities among children.

Physical education is currently included as a compulsory subject in the general education sector in Kerala, the minister said.

The Zumba programme was introduced in schools following a directive from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who stated that the dance, which combines aerobic movements performed to lively music, would help reduce stress among schoolchildren and, in turn, counter the menace of drug abuse among young people.

From this academic year, many schools have begun offering Zumba training.

However, some Muslim organisations came out against the government's decision.

(inputs from PTI)