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BBC News
03-07-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Kerala: Indian state defends Zumba plan amid protests from religious groups
The southern Indian state of Kerala has defended its decision to introduce Zumba classes in public schools, after the move sparked protests from religious groups. Some 14,000 state-run schools in Kerala have been asked to organise daily Zumba sessions as part of an anti-drug campaign launched by the government last month. The decision has been bitterly opposed by some Hindu and Muslim organisations in the state, who claim the dance is a form of "cultural invasion". Some of them are urging parents and teachers to boycott the programme, saying it goes against their religious beliefs and moral values as Indians. As protests intensified last week, the government has clarified it will not roll back the programme, saying that "religion should not be mixed with education". "Those who are protesting are proving themselves to be more dangerous than any drug problem," V Sivankutty, the state's education minister, told the BBC. Sivankutty added that though schools have been asked to introduce Zumba into the curriculum, classes would still be optional for the students. "It is not like we are forcing anyone - you can always opt out if you want," he said. Protests first began when the Kerala government introduced a slew of measures to counter the growing use of drugs among school students last month. These include enhanced surveillance around campuses, new awareness campaigns and rehabilitation programmes for students, along with Zumba lessons. Under the guidelines, all state-run schools have been asked to hire trained Zumba instructors to hold daily sessions for the students. The curriculum and its schedule, they said, should be designed keeping in mind the convenience of both students and move was deeply opposed by the Samstha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulema, an influential organisation of Muslim clerics in the state, which manages hundreds of religious group's spokesperson Nasar Faizy Koodathai told the BBC that boys and girls dancing together, in what he described as "vulgar" attire, was unacceptable. "Zumba contradicts Indian moral values as it requires students to wear tight clothing and dance closely together. This should not be accepted," he said. The Bharatiya Vichara Kendram, a right-wing organisation which describes itself as a group of "Hindu intellectuals", echoed this a statement earlier this week, the organisation's Director, R Sanjayan, called Zumba a "foreign" import and said that imposing it on students in the name of combating drug use was "malicious"."There are 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," he said, adding that parents and students should oppose the rule because it goes "against the uniqueness of the country".The government has rejected all the allegations. "The idea is to encourage students to start a new fitness journey for a healthier lifestyle - and nothing else ," said Sivankutty. Besides, the guidelines make it clear that students will have to wear their school uniforms during the sessions, leaving no scope for "inappropriate dressing", he said. "In schools, light exercise is always encouraged and children always wear uniforms for these sessions."The government's sole aim, he added, is to encourage healthy habits in children. "Engaging in sports promotes mental and physical vitality, health, and positive thinking in children, which can enhance their academic performance and personal development."Follow BBC News India on Instagram, YouTube, X and Facebook
BBC News
03-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Tributes to Leicester school head who had 'huge personality'
A family has paid tribute to a former head teacher, describing him as a man who was "charismatic and generous" with a "huge personality". Ahmad Khan, who was the former head of Charnwood Primary School, in the Highfields area, died on Monday at the age of the mid-70s he taught at Newry Junior School in Leicester, before he moved to Charnwood Primary School in 1988, where he Nagdi, a community advocate in the city, said it was an "honour and privilege" to know Mr Khan for almost 50 years, both personally and professionally. 'A father figure' Mr Khan's family said he dedicated his career to education from the age of 18, teaching in Nairobi, the mid-70s he taught at Newry Junior School in Leicester, before he moved to Charnwood Primary School in 1988, where he 1998, Mr Khan received an MBE for services to education at the birthday grandfather and father-of-two was also the founding member and chairman of the Federation of Muslim Organisations in daughter Munazza Khan said her father, who was one of 14 siblings, was a "family man and loved his heritage"."He was fun loving," she said. "Everyone has a funny story to tell about him."He loved gardening and was a great cook. His door was always open to anyone."His leadership, fairness and energy drove him to make a difference to so many communities. "People saw him as a father figure, but we were lucky enough to have him as our dad." 'Leaves a legacy' Mr Nagdi added Mr Khan's passing represents an "incalculable loss" to the Muslim community."His students and all who knew him will experience a deep personal loss," he said."Ahmad helped shape young minds as a head teacher. Each student will have a story, and I'm sure they will remember the education he parted with them."Beyond his role in education, he was a pillar of the local Muslim community."Renowned for his integrity and strong character. His strength will be deeply cherished."Ahmad continued to offer invaluable counsel even after his retirement and leaves a legacy behind."
