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Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
‘Undermines morality': Muslim groups slam school Zumba sessions
Kozhikode: Several Muslim organisations have come out against the introduction of Zumba dance sessions in schools as part of the general education department's anti-drug campaign, claiming that it undermines morality and promotes boys and girls dancing together. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now AP Sunni leaders had earlier opposed the popular MEC-7 exercise regime on similar lines. Zumba, a popular aerobic fitness programme that blends movements inspired by various styles of Latin American dance and music, was introduced in schools to reduce students' mental stress, following a proposal from chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan. On June 20, the director of general education issued a circular directing schools to conduct physical activities, including Zumba and other light exercises, in assemblies from June 23-26 as part of observing the International Day against Drug Abuse. Higher education minister R Bindu reacted sharply to the opposition, saying Zumba was aimed at ensuring the physical and mental health of students and the school community had embraced it with much joy. "What is wrong with that? We are living in 2025 and the first quarter of the 21st century is over. We are not in the 19th century or in the primitive Middle Ages. People should think with the changing times," she said. However, CPM state secretary M V Govindan said the sessions were not mandatory and the govt would take all communities into confidence before introducing such programmes. Sunni Yuvajana Sangham (SYS), the youth wing of the influential Samastha Kerala Jem Iyyathul Ulema, alleged that it was part of a move to foster boys and girls dancing and singing together, just like the earlier attempts to introduce gender neutrality on campuses by making children sit together. "Zumba is actually a form of entertainment incorporating Western dance and rhythms involving both men and women. There are many believers who don't like their daughters participating in such dances," SYS leader Abdussamad Pookottor said, adding that it was against the moral standards of children and there was no such opposition when Yoga was introduced. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Claiming that awareness classes were the best way to spread the message against drug abuse, he said religious scholars in Samastha would approach the govt to withdraw the decision if it was made compulsory in schools. Samastha has asked the management committees of schools under it not to implement such "immoral" tendencies, he said. Samastha Mushawara member Bahauddeen Nadvi alleged that the Communist govt was using this as a covert strategy to disregard religious beliefs and moral values, while subtly introducing religious disrespect and negation of religion in society. Wisdom Islamic Organisation leader T K Ashraf, who himself is a teacher, said strengthening the existing arts and physical education programmes — regular drills, exercises and mass physical education training sessions — would be more appropriate to improve children's mental and physical health. "It must be noted that even today, physical education teachers have not been appointed in 86% of UP schools, 45% of high schools and 10% of LP, HSS and VHSE schools," he said. Muslim Students Federation state president P K Navas said the decision to introduce Zumba sessions was taken unilaterally. SFI national joint secretary Adarsh M Saji supported the initiative, saying: "Unnecessary controversies over this should be avoided, and all religious communities should come together in support of this initiative." Earlier, opposing the MEC-7 exercise regime, the Sunni leaders had said the workouts were being carried out by women along with men and they were an affront to the modesty of women.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
Higher education department initiates state level anti-drug action plan on Anti-Drug Day
T'puram: Higher education department is initiating a comprehensive state-level action plan against substance abuse on Anti-Drug Day, June 26. Colleges affiliated with various universities under the higher education department and those under the Directorate of Collegiate Education will observe Anti-Drug Day. Teachers, non-teaching staff, students, guardians and alumni will take an anti-drug pledge, higher education minister R Bindu said on Tuesday. The celebration will be inaugurated by Bindu at the Govt Women's College auditorium. The inauguration will kickstart a year-long anti-drug initiative in colleges, the minister said. The chief minister will officially launch the state-level anti-drug action plan. One of the major decisions proposed is to demand college students submit a written affidavit pledging not to use drugs or engage in drug-related crimes. You Can Also Check: Thiruvananthapuram AQI | Weather in Thiruvananthapuram | Bank Holidays in Thiruvananthapuram | Public Holidays in Thiruvananthapuram Arrangements were made in all colleges to watch and participate in the state-level inauguration and the anti-drug pledge programme led by the minister online. Extensive awareness programmes in technical and other colleges have been prepared. Student flash mob teams have been organised to perform at bus stands and major junctions. Discussions to prevent drug use and distribution will be held in all classes. Institutions were instructed to prepare a master plan for a drug-free campus, which will be discussed in class assemblies on Thursday. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Post Anti-Drug Day, action plans for activities in colleges have been outlined, Bindu said. The 'Azad Sena,' formed under the National Service Scheme (NSS), will lead ongoing anti-drug activities. With the help of the excise department, Vimukthi Clubs will be established on all campuses. Programmes like Shradha and Nerkootam will be launched in universities, professional education institutions and colleges. Vigilance committees named 'Drug-Free College Protection Committee' and 'Drug-Free University Campus Protection Committee' will be formed at the institutional level, with monthly reviews of their activities. Participation from the NSS, NCC, Vimukthi Club and PTA will be ensured.
New Indian Express
19-06-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
‘Sallapam' to be lifeline for senior citizens battling loneliness
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Her vacant apartment seemed to mirror the emptiness in Kamalamma's life — the silence a constant reminder of her loneliness. Though it's been 15 years since losing her partner, the ache still lingers. The 75-year-old's children, settled abroad, call her regularly, but it's not the same as sharing laughter and tears with someone who's always present. The maid's visits provide the occasional respite, but Kamalamma's heart yearns for a meaningful connection. Now, hope is on the horizon. The 'Sallapam' project, of the state social justice department, aims to bridge the gap between senior citizens like Kamalamma and the world outside. Announced by Social Justice Minister R Bindu recently, the project envisages trained social workers to become 'phone friends' of senior citizens, offering them a listening ear, empathy, and companionship. The plan is to integrate 'Sallapam' with the 'Elderline' helpline number — 14567 — for senior citizens so that tele-counsellors can follow up on those who need additional psycho-social support. 'We receive close to 500 calls on Elderline every day and the priority has been tackling emergencies faced by senior citizens. However, there are a number of elderly people who call just to kill their loneliness. The Sallapam project is intended for them,' department director Arun S Nair told TNIE. The department plans to rope in master of social work (MSW) students and provide them with training through the Elderline staff. The details of senior citizens who need psycho-social support will be directed to the student volunteers, who will in turn contact them once or twice a week based on their convenience. The entire activity will be monitored by Elderline. 'The project will be beneficial for both the elderly and the students. While the mental and emotional well-being of senior citizens will improve due to the frequent interaction with youngsters, students specialising in social work will also benefit as it provides them with practical experience,' the official explained.
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
‘Report paints poor picture of state's higher edu sector'
T'puram: Contrary to the state govt's claims, the higher education sector in Kerala performed poorly in the 2025 NITI Aayog report . The report presented a dismal picture of the higher education institutions, especially state universities , Save University Campaign Committee (SUCC) has said.. The think-tank said that the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) report highlighted that the density of universities and colleges in the state were far behind that of other states in south India. Moreover, only four of the total 14 universities in the state featured in the best 100 list. SUCC said that the state govt's attempt to reduce the universities into govt departments by taking away their autonomy would further harm the higher education sector in Kerala. "For the improvement of the higher education sector, the quality of state universities should improve significantly. The NITI Aayog report underlines the fact that the excellence of a few institutions like IIT and IISER is not enough to improve the quality of the sector as a whole," the committee said. The percentage of students between the age group of 18 to 23 pursuing higher education is 28.4% nationally. While it is 47% in Tamil Nadu and 43% in Himachal Pradesh, it is 41.3% in Kerala and 40% in Telangana. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch Bitcoin và Ethereum - Không cần ví! IC Markets BẮT ĐẦU NGAY Undo The figures, unlike what the higher education minister R Bindu claims, were not inspiring, SUCC said. Moreover, contrary to the claims of the state govt, the best student-teacher ratio in the country is not in Kerala. It is Tamil Nadu, with a ratio of 1:14, compared to 1:15 in Kerala. SUCC also said the govt should allow the universities to function as autonomous institutions and grow independently. The attempts to usurp the autonomy of state universities would only further weaken the institutions, they added.
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Advanced drone pilot training initiative launched to boost youth employment
Thiruvananthapuram: Higher education minister R Bindu inaugurated an advanced drone pilot training initiative at Rajadhani Engineering College in Nagaroor near Attingal. The programme is being launched by ASAP Kerala in collaboration with the Centre for Aerospace Research, Anna University, a DGCA-approved institution. Speaking at the event, Bindu emphasised the govt's commitment to bridging the gap between education and employment. "Drones are rapidly emerging as a major source of employment, ranging from agriculture to national defence. We must prepare our youth to seize these opportunities," she said. She highlighted ASAP Kerala's role in transforming the state into a knowledge-based society and announced that the next centre of excellence in drone pilot training will be established in Thrissur. The event also featured a seminar and drone exhibition led by space scientist Myilsamy Annadurai. Students also participated in live demonstrations and interactive sessions. Attingal MLA O S Ambika, ASAP Kerala CMD Usha Titus, Centre for Aerospace Research director Senthil Kumar, Nagaroor panchayat president Smita D, Rajadhani Group chairman Biju Ramesh, ASAP Kerala head Liju I P Nair and Rajadhani College principal Madhukumar S were also present.
