Muslim groups oppose Zumba dance in Kerala schools

In Kerala, the introduction of Zumba, a high-energy fitness programme, to schools has sparked uproar from Muslim groups in the state, who say the dance goes "against moral values". Muslim organisations have objected to girls and boys "intermingling" and "dancing together wearing minimal clothes". TK Ashraf, general secretary of the Wisdom Islamic Organisation, said his son would not participate in the sessions.“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.

Nasar Faizy Koodathai, a leader of the influential Muslim organisation Samastha, called the move a violation of personal freedom and an imposition of vulgarity in the name of physical fitness.Koodathai also said that Zumba requires minimal clothing, urging to "not force vulgarity" upon students. “Zumba dance is against moral values,” claimed Abdussamad Pookkottur, state secretary of the Samastha Kerala Sunni Yuvajana Sangham (SYS), in a Facebook post.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.

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 introduce Zumba, a dance-based fitness program, in schools as part of its anti-drug campaign. Many schools have begun offering Zumba training from this academic year. Education Minister V Sivankutty such objections would inject poison more deadly than drugs into society. "No one has asked children to wear minimal clothes. Children are wearing school uniforms and performing," he said. Sivankutty said that according to Right To Education (RTE), children must participate in the learning processes prescribed by the government. Parents have no choice in the matter.

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.