The Kerala government has defended its decision to introduce Zumba classes in public schools, despite protests from some religious groups. The classes, which are part of an anti-drug campaign launched by the government, aim to promote physical fitness and mental well-being among students. Some 14,000 state-run schools in Kerala have been asked to organize daily Zumba sessions.
According to Education Minister V Sivankutty, the government’s decision will not be rolled back, as “religion should not be mixed with education”. Sivankutty emphasized that those protesting the Zumba classes are “proving themselves to be more dangerous than any drug problem”. He clarified that while schools have been asked to introduce Zumba into the curriculum, classes would still be optional for students, saying, “It is not like we are forcing anyone – you can always opt out if you want”.
The protests began when the Kerala government introduced measures to counter the growing use of drugs among school students, including enhanced surveillance, awareness campaigns, rehabilitation programs, and Zumba lessons.
The Samstha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulema, an influential organization of Muslim clerics, opposed the move, citing concerns about boys and girls dancing together in “vulgar” attire. Nasar Faizy Koodathai, the group’s spokesperson, stated that “Zumba contradicts Indian moral values as it requires students to wear tight clothing and dance closely together. This should not be accepted”.
Similarly, the Bharatiya Vichara Kendram, a right-wing organization, described Zumba as a “foreign” import and claimed that imposing it on students was “malicious”. The organization’s Director, R Sanjayan, alleged that there were “ulterior motives behind the promotion of foreign cultural exports like Zumba by the government, which has made no effort to enrich or protect our traditions”.
However, the government has rejected these allegations, stating that the aim is to encourage students to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Sivankutty emphasized that students would wear school uniforms during the sessions, leaving no scope for “inappropriate dressing”. He added that engaging in sports promotes mental and physical vitality, health, and positive thinking in children, which can enhance their academic performance and personal development.
The Zumba initiative has received support from some quarters, with teachers and students welcoming the program. Sangeetha C, a teacher at SN School, expressed gratitude to the government for promoting Zumba in schools, saying, “We are very excited to have Zumba in our school. The children need physical fitness”. A student, Aleeda Mariya, also shared her enthusiasm, stating, “We are excited to be a part of the Zumba initiative brought by the Kerala government. We enjoy doing it. It is fun to do this”.
Roma Mansoor, a certified International Zumba Fitness instructor, believes that Zumba can help children relax their minds and increase their confidence. She said, “I am happy to say that the Kerala government has taken initiative to promote Zumba in schools. It is a great initiative because nowadays children are addicted to many things that ruin their mindset”.