Zumba dispute shows no signs of cooling down
The controversy surrounding the introduction of Zumba dance on government and aided school campuses in the State as an anti-drug measure appears to linger on with different Muslim organisations steadfastly opposing the initiative.
Muslim groups have been opposing the move by raising concerns about Zumba dance's moral and cultural implications for school campuses.
However, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), unlike other Muslim groups, has chosen a measured approach to the Zumba the controversy. The party is of the view that it must study the issue before commenting about it.
The Muslim League's cautious approach is reflected in its State general secretary P.M.A. Salam's comments, where he pointed out the need for the State government to address the concerns of all sections about the introduction of Zumba dance in schools.
While the IUML has not outrightly opposed Zumba, it has sought discussions and considerations of diverse perspectives before moving forward with the programme. The IUML is of the view that any programme should be implemented in a way acceptable to all sections.
While Muslim groups like the Samastha Kerala Sunni Yuvajana Sangham (SYS), Samastha Kerala Islam Matha Vidysbhyasa Board, and Wisdom Islamic Organisation are opposing Zumba due to moral and cultural concerns, others are questioning the programme's effectiveness. Moderate groups and individuals in the Muslim community are scrutinising the scientific basis of Zumba as a tool to combat drug abuse among students.
C. Mohammed Ajmal, an IIT Madras alumnus and education counsellor, contests the basic idea of the programme. 'Youngsters are turning to drugs in pursuit of pleasure, rather than as a stress-relief mechanism,' he said. In his view, setting and achieving long-term goals can help students discover more significant and rewarding experiences.
Wisdom Youth Movement vice president P.P. Naseef urged the government to listen to the concerns of the people who object to Zumba dance before imposing the programme. 'Taking everyone into confidence is always better,' said Dr. Naseef.
Meanwhile, the government has decided to proceed with Zumba despite the opposition from Muslim groups. According to Education Minister V. Sivankutty, student can participate in Zumba in their regular uniforms.
CPI(M) national secretary M.A. Baby has called upon the people not to mix religion in academics. He said religion should be kept away from public education in a secular country like India.
Unless the government finds common ground with protesters, campuses may witness a Zumba showdown when classes resume on Monday.
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