Zumba row: Don't bring religious orthodoxy into education field, says CPM's MA Baby
Kozhikode:
CPM
general secretary M A Baby appealed to the people not to bring religious orthodoxy into the field of education. He was speaking on the controversy over implementing Zumba dance sessions in schools.
Zumba dance form is practised in more than 180 countries and many individuals, both young and older generations, follow this dance form for overall physical well-being, said Baby. "There is a saying, 'sound mind in a sound body'. You have to be physically fit when you want to be mentally and intellectually fit. So, this criticism that when Zumba dance is being practised, boys and girls are found scantily dressed is an absolute untruth.
I have seen the videos of these performances, and they are fully dressed. So, this initiative should not be subjected to criticism due to these unfounded allegations," Baby told the media.
Comments like boys and girls shouldn't participate in events together are not suitable for the modern age, he said. It is time to discuss how to live in the 22nd century and those opposing it should introspect, Baby added.
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Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
Zumba row: Don't bring religious orthodoxy into education field, says CPM's MA Baby
Kozhikode: CPM general secretary M A Baby appealed to the people not to bring religious orthodoxy into the field of education. He was speaking on the controversy over implementing Zumba dance sessions in schools. Zumba dance form is practised in more than 180 countries and many individuals, both young and older generations, follow this dance form for overall physical well-being, said Baby. "There is a saying, 'sound mind in a sound body'. You have to be physically fit when you want to be mentally and intellectually fit. So, this criticism that when Zumba dance is being practised, boys and girls are found scantily dressed is an absolute untruth. I have seen the videos of these performances, and they are fully dressed. So, this initiative should not be subjected to criticism due to these unfounded allegations," Baby told the media. Comments like boys and girls shouldn't participate in events together are not suitable for the modern age, he said. It is time to discuss how to live in the 22nd century and those opposing it should introspect, Baby added.
The Hindu
8 hours ago
- The Hindu
What is Zumba and why has it been introduced in schools
Zumba, a fitness programme that blends lively music and dance moves, has been around for years but is now at the heart of a major row that again pits certain Muslim organisations against the State government. The government initiated the zumba programme in schools this academic year to promote students' physical and mental health and in step with its anti-drug campaign 'With children and youth' that sought to channelise students' interests and energy away from drugs into positive alternatives. This followed a meeting convened by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of representatives of student and youth organisations, teacher and parent organisations, experts from various fields, and Ministers at the State Assembly on March 30 to prepare an action plan to curb the increase in substance abuse and violence among students and youth. The Chief Minister had then suggested zumba as a way of relieving the many stresses that students faced and directed Minister for General Education V. Sivankutty to look into implementing it in the new academic year. Mr. Sivankutty had then said that some form of exercise would be organised in schools in the afternoons to invigorate students and improve their mental and physical well-being. He later announced a mega Zumba display by 1,000 students in the State capital on April 30 to create awareness against drug abuse and give more importance to physical activity in the school curriculum. The General Education department also provided training to teachers on organising zumba session from class VIII onwards. With the government laying more thrust on health and physical education in the curriculum, more time has been allotted for physical activity in the timetable. State Council of Educational Research and Training Director Jayaprakash R.K. said Zumba was also part of the revised school curriculum. It had been included in the new class VIII art education and physical education textbooks. Following criticism of the Zumba programme, the Kerala School Teachers' Association (KSTA) has questioned the claim that no discussion had gone into it. It pointed out that those flaying the decision should have taken part in the meeting called by the Chief Minister earlier or given their opinions in writing. The Kerala Pradesh School Teachers' Association said organising Zumba sessions was inadequate to keep children from turning to substance abuse. More meaningful and effective strategies had to be implemented, particularly when synthetic drugs were increasingly available. Controversy apart, Zumba remains a popular fitness activity. Its appeal lies in the rhythmic music and the group fitness model that pushes one to do more, says Rashmi Kishore, an instructor. Rashmi says it is an exercise in disguise, something one does without being conscious of it, especially if one does not like working out alone. A chunk of her clientele is middle-aged for whom regular and consistent physical activity is a mantra for good health. It is also a good stress-buster, especially for those working in high-pressure jobs, says Rashmi.
Hindustan Times
18 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
'Against moral values': Muslims groups oppose Zumba lessons at Kerala schools
The introduction of Zumba, a high-energy fitness programme, to schools in Kerala has sparked uproar from Muslim groups in the state, who say the dance goes "against moral values". (Image for representation) Zumba, a high-energy fitness programme, has been introduced for students in many Kerala schools(Unsplash) Many schools in the southern state have started offering Zumba training with the aim to reduce stress among students, and counter the menace of drug abuse. The development came following a directive from chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan. However, some Muslims groups are critical of this initiative, and also want parents to reconsider before letting their children take part in the routine. 'Zumba dance is against moral values,' claimed Abdussamad Pookkottur, state secretary of the Samastha Kerala Sunni Yuvajana Sangham (SYS), in a Facebook post. TK Ashraf, general secretary of the Wisdom Islamic Organisation, also opposed the move, saying he enrolled his son into a school to get quality education and "not to learn a culture where boys and girls, wearing minimal clothing, dance together to the rhythm of music.' Ashraf has vowed that as a teacher, he will not be implementing the initiative and prepared to face any action. He also said his son would not participate in the dance routine. '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 added. Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama leader Nassar Faizy Koodathai also said that Zumba requires minimal clothing, urging to "not force vulgarity" upon students. "This is also a violation of the personal freedom and fundamental rights of students whose moral sense does not allow them to express their anger and dance together," the leader said. The Muslim Students Federation (MSF), the student wing of the Indian Union Muslim League, has also opposed the initiative, alleging it was introduced without any proper studies. "Has the General Education Department conducted any study or held discussions with students, teachers, and parents before implementing this?' asked MSF state president P K Navas. Education department defends move Amid mounting criticism from Muslims groups, the Kerala education department defended the Zumba initiative for schools, saying it promotes mental and physical well-being. 'We are well into the 21st century—it is 2025. We are not living in the 19th century or the primitive medieval period. Everyone should think in accordance with the times,' said Kerala Higher Education Minister R Bindhu. The General Education Department also voiced support to Zumba, saying the sessions are part of the state government's anti-drug campaign "With Childhood and Youth". Studies have shown that children struggling with mental health issues are more likely to be trapped by drug networks, the department said, clarifying that with Zumba, the goal is to offer positive, healthy alternatives to children. (With PTI, ANI inputs)
