Introduction to Zumba in Schools
The South Indian state of Kerala has defended its decision to introduce Zumba courses in public schools after the move triggered protests from religious groups. Around 14,000 state schools in Kerala were asked to organize daily Zumba meetings as part of an anti-drug campaign that was launched by the government last month.
Protests from Religious Groups
The decision was bitterly rejected by some Hindu and Muslim organizations of the state, which say that the dance is a form of "cultural invasion". They ask parents and teachers to boycott the program and say that it violates their religious beliefs and moral values. While the protests are decreased, the groups continue to reject politics.
Government’s Stance
However, the government of Kerala has announced not to reset the program and added that "religion should not be mixed with education". "Those who protest are more dangerous than any drug problem," said V Sivankutty, the state Minister of Education. Sivankutty added that the schools were asked to introduce Zumba to the curriculum, the lessons for the students were still optional. "It’s not like forcing someone – you can decide at any time if you want," he said.
The Anti-Drug Campaign
The protests started first when the Kerala government introduced a number of measures to counteract the growing use of drugs among the students last month. This includes improved surveillance at the locations, new sensitization campaigns and rehabilitation programs for students and Zumba lessons. According to the guidelines, all state schools were asked to hire trained Zumba trainers in order to hold daily meetings for the students.
Concerns about Zumba
The step was deplosed by Samstha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulema, an influential organization of Muslim clergymen in the state that manages hundreds of religious schools. The group’s spokesman, Nasar Faizy Koodathai, told that boys and girls were unacceptable together in a "vulgar" clothing that he described. "Zumba contradicts Indian moral values because the students are necessary to wear tight clothes and dance closely together. This should not be accepted," he said.
Guidelines for Zumba Sessions
In the guidelines, the students must wear school uniforms during the Zumba meetings. The Bharatiya Vichara Kendram, a right-wing organization that describes itself as a group of "Hindu intellectuals", repeated this view. In an explanation, the director of the organization, R Sanjayan, referred to Zumba a "foreign" import and said that it was "maliciously" to impose the students on behalf of the combat of drug use.
Government’s Response to Criticism
The government rejected all allegations. "The idea is to encourage the students to start a new fitness trip for a healthier lifestyle – and nothing else," said Sivankutty. In addition, the guidelines make it clear that the students have to wear their school uniforms during the sessions and do not have to leave a scope for "inappropriate dressing", he said. "Easy movement is always encouraged in schools and children always wear uniforms for these sessions."
Promoting Healthy Habits
The only goal of the government is to promote healthy habits in children. "Sports separate mental and physical vitality, health and positive thinking in children what can improve their academic performance and personal development." The government is keen on promoting Zumba as a way to encourage students to adopt a healthier lifestyle and combat drug use.
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