Latest news with #P.M.A.Salam
The Hindu
28-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
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.
The Hindu
05-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Govt. slammed for last-minute scrapping of Friday's Bakrid holiday
The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and several Muslim organisations have protested against the government decision to revoke the Bakrid holiday on Friday. The government has shifted the holiday to Saturday as Muslims in the State are celebrating Bakrid on Saturday. IUML State general secretary P.M.A. Salam has demanded that the government declare a separate holiday on Saturday rather than scrapping the previously announced holiday on Friday. Mr. Salam pointed out that Friday would be of significance too, as Muslims celebrating Bakrid on Saturday would be fasting on Friday, making it essential to retain the holiday on both days. IUML district president Syed Abbasali Shihab Thangal and Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) working president A.P. Anil Kumar too demanded that the government change its decision to revoke Friday's holiday. Wisdom Islamic Organisation general secretary T.K. Ashraf too criticised the government move saying that it would put many professionals in difficulty. 'We have been demanding at least three days holidays for two Id celebrations. If not possible, at least having two days off will allow those working in distant districts to travel home, celebrate Id and return to work,' he said. Mr. Ashraf expressed concerns that the government's last-minute decision to revoke the declared holiday on Friday would be seen as disregard for the Muslim community's celebrations, particularly since it is the day of the significant Arafa fast.
