Zumba in Kerala’s schools draws fire from Muslim groups; government stands firm on anti-drug push

The programme, integrated by the General Education department into school schedule this academic year, aims to reduce stress among students and provide them with a healthy outlet to combat the rising threat of drug abuse

A State-initiated Zumba dance programme, rolled out in schools across Kerala as part of a broader anti-drug campaign, has stirred controversy, drawing criticism from certain Muslim groups who claim the initiative contradicts their moral and cultural values.

The programme, integrated by the General Education department into school schedule this academic year, aims to reduce stress among students and provide them with a healthy outlet to combat the rising threat of drug abuse.

However, the initiative has been met with strong opposition from various Islamic organisations. Abdussamad Pookkottur, State secretary of the Samastha Kerala Sunni Yuvajana Sangham (SYS), the youth wing of the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, voiced his disapproval in a Facebook post, asserting that “Zumba dance is against moral values” and urged parents to reconsider the programme’s influence.

Study or discussions

The Muslim Students Federation (MSF) also questioned the decision-making process behind the initiative. MSF State president P.K. Navas said, “When such a programme is introduced in schools, thorough and credible studies must be carried out. Has the department conducted any study or held discussions with students, teachers or parents?,” he asked.

In a Facebook post, Wisdom Islamic Organisation general secretary T.K. Ashraf stated that he had opted out of implementing the programme as a teacher and would not allow his son to participate. He also criticised the programme’s alleged promotion of “a culture where boys and girls, wearing minimal clothing, dance together to the rhythm of music.”

“There may be people who see this as progressive. I am not one of them. I admit I am old-fashioned in this regard,” he wrote, adding that some educators and parents shared his concerns, but feared repercussions for speaking out. He also alleged pressure from the department, including threats of disciplinary action for non-compliance.

Higher Education Minister R. Bindu strongly defended the initiative, and emphasised its role in promoting both mental and physical well-being. She dismissed objections as rooted in outdated ideology.

Inclusive outlook

“We are well into the 21st century; it is 2025. We are not living in the 19th century or the primitive medieval period,” she said, urging critics to adopt a more progressive and inclusive outlook. “Those who oppose such efforts will only end up isolating themselves.”

She also expressed concern over the rise of “hardline conservatism” and criticised what she called the resurgence of “primitive thinking, discrimination and exclusion.”

“Women have gone to space. Unfortunately, some still cling to views from centuries past. What we need is a humane, inclusive outlook. When we say ‘man,’ it includes all of humanity, including women. Women have equal ownership of this world,” the Minister asserted.