The southern Indian state of Kerala is standing resolutely behind its recent initiative to introduce Zumba classes in public schools, a decision that has incited significant protests from various religious groups. Approximately 14,000 state-run schools have been instructed to incorporate daily Zumba lessons as an integral component of an anti-drug initiative introduced by the government last month.
Opposition has primarily emerged from certain Hindu and Muslim organizations, which argue that Zumba represents a form of "cultural invasion," incompatible with their religious beliefs and societal values. These groups have called upon parents and educators to reject the new program, although the intensity of protests has diminished. Despite this, resistance persists.
Education Minister V. Sivankutty stated firmly that the government will not retract the initiative, asserting that "education should not be influenced by religious sentiments." He emphasized the non-compulsory nature of Zumba in schools, assuring that participation remains optional for students.
The unrest began following the Kerala government's announcement of multiple measures aimed at curbing rising drug usage among schoolchildren. These efforts include heightened surveillance around school premises, awareness campaigns, rehabilitation programs, and the newly introduced Zumba classes. Each state-run school is required to employ trained Zumba instructors to conduct sessions tailored to both student and teacher needs.
Critics of the program include the Samstha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulema, a prominent Muslim clerics’ organization overseeing numerous religious schools. A spokesperson for the group criticized the close physical interactions involved in Zumba and the attire worn during the sessions as "vulgar." According to him, such practices stand in opposition to traditional Indian values.
The Bharatiya Vichara Kendram, a right-leaning group, has similarly denounced Zumba as an unwelcome foreign influence that detracts from India's cultural identity. Its director has labeled the government's endorsement as an insidious effort further to dilute Indian traditions while urging parents to resist the curriculum change.
In response, the Kerala government has dismissed these allegations, asserting that the initiative is fundamentally about fostering a healthier lifestyle among students. Sivankutty has reiterated that the guidelines recommend students participate in Zumba while dressed in their school uniforms, mitigating concerns about inappropriate attire.
The government's main objective, he clarified, is to instill healthy habits early in life, emphasizing that engaging in physical activity can significantly enhance mental health, academic performance, and overall personal development.
