The Kerala Education Department has implemented Zumba programs in schools as part of the state government's anti-drug campaign. However, some Muslim organizations have strongly opposed this decision. They allege that boys and girls dancing together in revealing clothes contradict Islamic ethics and social values.
Wisdom Islamic Organization's Secretary TK Ashraf expressed on Facebook, “I do not accept this program and my son will not participate.”
In contrast, Nasar Faizi Koodathayi, a leader of the influential Muslim group Samastha, termed it an infringement on students' personal freedom and an imposition of obscenity. He remarked, “The government is forcing children to dance in fewer clothes through Zumba, which is unacceptable. Instead of improving physical education, this obscenity is being imposed, violating fundamental rights of those students whose moral values do not permit it.”
Indeed, from Thanbeehul Islam Higher Secondary School in Kasaragod, Kerala, a video emerged of some Muslim students participating in a Zumba session, shared by the Education Minister on his Facebook. In the video, students are seen doing Zumba in their school uniforms. The initiative aims to raise awareness against drug abuse among students and improve their mental and physical health.
State Education Minister V. Sivankutty has stood firm in defense of this initiative. Sivankutty argued, “Let children play, laugh, be happy, and grow healthy. Such objections can poison society more than drugs. No one is asked to wear fewer clothes. Children are performing in uniforms.”
Sivankutty also mentioned that according to the Right to Education (RTE) Act, children are required to participate in educational activities determined by the government, with no options provided to parents.
