Muslim Groups Protest School Dance Curriculum, Attribute Cultural Reason

Inclusion of Zumba dance in school curriculum by the Kerala state government has been a controversial one with various Muslim groups vouching strong opposition against the action. The groups feel that the move "degrades educational standards" and goes against societal cultural and moral principles.

Kerala Education Department had suggested Zumba as a part of state and aided school's co-curricular physical education programme to keep the students fit. Islamic bodies, including learned clerics and community leaders, argue that incorporation of Zumba, a Latin-American dance to keep oneself fit, is "inappropriate for school-going children" and brings values contrary to conservative societal culture.

Critic

The opponents questioned the "immodest nature" of Zumba exercises and put under scrutiny why it was appropriate for a serious learning institution. They asked the government to nullify the decision, referring to other physical exercises that are "more reflective of the local ethos and moral standards."

"The education system must never be a platform for dissemination of Western dance forms unrelated to our tradition," said a spokesperson for a leading Muslim group. "Physical fitness is good, but not at the cost of our moral fiber."

The furore has evoked a controversy across the state. While health professionals and liberal educators welcome the change as a step towards wholesome well-being, the right-wing establishment perceives it as another exercise in foisting Western cultural values on Indian children. Zumba lovers are of the opinion that the dance system fosters physical fitness, mental joy, and self-esteem, particularly in girls, and cannot be viewed in religious or moral terms.

The Kerala Education Department so far has declined to make any official comments on the backlash. The state is also likely to discuss whether to modify the program or allow schools to choose whether they want to implement Zumba-based classes, sources added.

It has set the growing fight between cultural conservatism and new education reforms in stark relief, reigniting controversy over secularism, physical education, and cultural sensitivities in Indian schools.