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Hindustan Times
7 hours ago
- Health
- 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)
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Zumba Dance Program Kerala: Zumba dance programme in Kerala schools faces opposition from Muslim groups, ET Education
Advt Advt Thiruvananthapuram, Zumba dance, a high-energy fitness programme introduced in schools in Kerala by the General Education Department as part of its anti-drug campaign, is facing opposition from certain Muslim groups who argue that it goes against moral programme was introduced in schools following a directive from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who stated that the dance- which combines dance and aerobic movements performed to lively music-would help reduce stress among schoolchildren and, in turn, counter the menace of drug abuse among young this academic year, many schools have begun offering Zumba training."Zumba dance is against moral values," claimed Abdussamad Pookkottur, state secretary of the Samastha Kerala Sunni Yuvajana Sangham (SYS), in a Facebook post on Friday, voicing his protest against the state government's initiative. He also urged parents to think more critically about the is the youth wing of the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, a prominent Sunni Muslim scholarly body in Higher Education Minister R Bindhu defended the initiative, saying Zumba benefits both children and the general public by promoting 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," Bindhu told reporters when asked about the Muslim Students Federation (MSF), the student wing of the Indian Union Muslim League, criticised the government for introducing the programme without conducting proper studies."When such a programme is introduced in schools, thorough and credible studies must be carried out. 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.T K Ashraf, General Secretary of the Wisdom Islamic Organisation, said that as a teacher, he had chosen to step back from implementing the directive mandating Zumba in schools as part of the anti-drug campaign."My son will also not participate in this programme. I am prepared to face whatever action the department may take on this matter," he said in a Facebook said he enrolled his child in a government school to receive quality education-"not to learn 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 added, claiming that many teachers, students, and parents also disagree with the programme but choose to remain silent for fear of possible consequences."I've noticed attempts to intimidate people by saying they will have to provide explanations to the department or face disciplinary action if they do not comply," he General Education Department, however, stated that the Zumba sessions are intended to support students' mental health and are part of the state government's anti-drug campaign "With Childhood and Youth", which carries the message "Padanamaanu Lahari" (Education is the real addiction).The department said the goal is to steer children away from drugs by offering positive, healthy studies, officials noted that children struggling with mental health issues are more likely to be targeted by drug networks. In this context, Zumba is being introduced as a fun and energetic way to improve students' mental and physical to the department, Zumba and similar physical activities help children build confidence, improve posture, stay motivated, and develop social and life skills through group government added that trained instructors will conduct the dance sessions in the support of teachers and parents, the programme aims not only to promote mental balance and physical fitness but also to help build a drug-free future for the next generation, the department said.>
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Business Standard
a day ago
- Health
- Business Standard
Zumba dance programme in Kerala schools faces opposition from Muslim groups
Zumba dance, a high-energy fitness programme introduced in schools in Kerala by the General Education Department as part of its anti-drug campaign, is facing opposition from certain Muslim groups who argue that it goes against moral values. The programme was introduced in schools following a directive from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who stated that the dance which combines dance and aerobic movements performed to lively musicwould help reduce stress among schoolchildren and, in turn, counter the menace of drug abuse among young people. From this academic year, many schools have begun offering Zumba training. Zumba dance is against moral values, claimed Abdussamad Pookkottur, state secretary of the Samastha Kerala Sunni Yuvajana Sangham (SYS), in a Facebook post on Friday, voicing his protest against the state government's initiative. He also urged parents to think more critically about the programme. SYS is the youth wing of the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, a prominent Sunni Muslim scholarly body in Kerala. State Higher Education Minister R Bindhu defended the initiative, saying Zumba benefits both children and the general public by promoting mental and physical well-being. We are well into the 21st centuryit is 2025. We are not living in the 19th century or the primitive medieval period. Everyone should think in accordance with the times, Bindhu told reporters when asked about the controversy. The Muslim Students Federation (MSF), the student wing of the Indian Union Muslim League, criticised the government for introducing the programme without conducting proper studies. When such a programme is introduced in schools, thorough and credible studies must be carried out. 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. T K Ashraf, General Secretary of the Wisdom Islamic Organisation, said that as a teacher, he had chosen to step back from implementing the directive mandating Zumba in schools as part of the anti-drug campaign. My son will also not participate in this programme. I am prepared to face whatever action the department may take on this matter, he said in a Facebook post. Ashraf said he enrolled his child in a government school to receive quality educationnot to learn 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 themI admit I am old-fashioned in this regard, he added, claiming that many teachers, students, and parents also disagree with the programme but choose to remain silent for fear of possible consequences. I've noticed attempts to intimidate people by saying they will have to provide explanations to the department or face disciplinary action if they do not comply, he alleged. The General Education Department, however, stated that the Zumba sessions are intended to support students' mental health and are part of the state government's anti-drug campaign "With Childhood and Youth", which carries the message "Padanamaanu Lahari" (Education is the real addiction). The department said the goal is to steer children away from drugs by offering positive, healthy alternatives. Citing studies, officials noted that children struggling with mental health issues are more likely to be targeted by drug networks. In this context, Zumba is being introduced as a fun and energetic way to improve students' mental and physical well-being. According to the department, Zumba and similar physical activities help children build confidence, improve posture, stay motivated, and develop social and life skills through group participation. The government added that trained instructors will conduct the dance sessions in schools. With the support of teachers and parents, the programme aims not only to promote mental balance and physical fitness but also to help build a drug-free future for the next generation, the department said.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Zumba dance programme in Kerala schools faces opposition from Muslim groups
Thiruvananthapuram, Zumba dance, a high-energy fitness programme introduced in schools in Kerala by the General Education Department as part of its anti-drug campaign, is facing opposition from certain Muslim groups who argue that it goes against moral values. Zumba dance programme in Kerala schools faces opposition from Muslim groups The programme was introduced in schools following a directive from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who stated that the dance— which combines dance and aerobic movements performed to lively music—would help reduce stress among schoolchildren and, in turn, counter the menace of drug abuse among young people. From this academic year, many schools have begun offering Zumba training. 'Zumba dance is against moral values,' claimed Abdussamad Pookkottur, state secretary of the Samastha Kerala Sunni Yuvajana Sangham , in a Facebook post on Friday, voicing his protest against the state government's initiative. He also urged parents to think more critically about the programme. SYS is the youth wing of the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, a prominent Sunni Muslim scholarly body in Kerala. State Higher Education Minister R Bindhu defended the initiative, saying Zumba benefits both children and the general public by promoting 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,' Bindhu told reporters when asked about the controversy. The Muslim Students Federation , the student wing of the Indian Union Muslim League, criticised the government for introducing the programme without conducting proper studies. 'When such a programme is introduced in schools, thorough and credible studies must be carried out. 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. T K Ashraf, General Secretary of the Wisdom Islamic Organisation, said that as a teacher, he had chosen to step back from implementing the directive mandating Zumba in schools as part of the anti-drug campaign. 'My son will also not participate in this programme. I am prepared to face whatever action the department may take on this matter,' he said in a Facebook post. Ashraf said he enrolled his child in a government school to receive quality education—'not to learn 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 added, claiming that many teachers, students, and parents also disagree with the programme but choose to remain silent for fear of possible consequences. 'I've noticed attempts to intimidate people by saying they will have to provide explanations to the department or face disciplinary action if they do not comply,' he alleged. The General Education Department, however, stated that the Zumba sessions are intended to support students' mental health and are part of the state government's anti-drug campaign "With Childhood and Youth", which carries the message "Padanamaanu Lahari" . The department said the goal is to steer children away from drugs by offering positive, healthy alternatives. Citing studies, officials noted that children struggling with mental health issues are more likely to be targeted by drug networks. In this context, Zumba is being introduced as a fun and energetic way to improve students' mental and physical well-being. According to the department, Zumba and similar physical activities help children build confidence, improve posture, stay motivated, and develop social and life skills through group participation. The government added that trained instructors will conduct the dance sessions in schools. With the support of teachers and parents, the programme aims not only to promote mental balance and physical fitness but also to help build a drug-free future for the next generation, the department said. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
The Hindu
15-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Teacher issued show-cause notice for punishment at Cotton Hill school
The General Education Department has issued a show-cause notice to a teacher accused of administering corporal punishment to students at the Government Higher Secondary School for Girls, Cotton Hill. General Education Minister V. Sivankutty, who addressed media persons here on Sunday, said the action was taken based on a report submitted by the District Educational Officer to the Director of General Education. The incident took place a few days ago when a teacher allegedly locked a group of Class 9 students in a classroom and made them to do sit-ups as punishment for leaving the room when the national anthem was being played. The incident came to light when the students missed their buses for their return trips. Mr. Sivankutty said the teacher had promptly apologised and was reprimanded for her conduct. Emphasising such incidents must not be repeated, he urged teachers to refrain from using any form of physical punishment and called for an end to such 'primitive' practices. Referring to the collapse of the compound wall at Government Upper Primary School, Chala, a day ago, the Minister said an inquiry is under way into the incident. Assuring a thorough investigation, he added any negligence on the part of the City Corporation in removing trees from the area would be probed. Mr. Sivankutty said teachers or parents should not be compelled to raise funds for such infrastructure activities. He also told media persons that he was yet to receive the report on the closure of eight government aided schools in Kannur. Assuring that the facts behind the closures would be made public within a week, he reiterated the government's commitment against closing down public schools. According to him, a detailed audit of student numbers of public schools is currently under way and the data would be published within two weeks. The government had no qualms in divulging such data, he said. While the allotment process to Plus One seats has been proceeding smoothly, any issues that persisted after the third allotment round will be addressed in an appropriate manner, he said.
