Kerala government’s Zumba initiative in schools faces opposition from Muslim organisations

The Kerala education department’s recent decision to introduce Zumba classes in schools as part of its anti-drug campaign has sparked controversy, with several Muslim organisations voicing strong objections. The initiative, which aims to promote physical fitness and healthy lifestyle choices among students, has been rolled out in several schools across the state from the current academic year.

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However, the move has met with backlash from conservative groups, particularly objecting to the idea of boys and girls dancing together during the sessions. Concerns have been raised about the perceived intermingling of genders and the nature of the attire typically associated with Zumba workouts. Critics argue that the program is culturally inappropriate and undermines traditional values.

The opposition also includes concerns over what is being described as an imposition of western fitness practices on schoolchildren, with detractors suggesting that such forms of exercise are not suitable for students, especially in a school setting. There are calls for the government to instead strengthen existing physical education programs that align more closely with local cultural and moral norms.

Despite the criticism, the education department maintains that the Zumba sessions are part of a broader initiative to keep students engaged in positive activities and deter them from substance abuse. The controversy has sparked a wider debate on the balance between modern health initiatives and cultural sensitivity in educational institutions.