As part of ongoing anti-drug and anti-violence campaigns, the introduction of Zumba dance in Kerala schools has sparked strong protests from Islamic organisations. These groups oppose three key aspects of the programme, dance, music, and the mixing of boys and girls, on the grounds that they are un-Islamic. Drawing comparisons to the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, which banned music and dance and imposed strict public restrictions on women, the protestors are pressuring the Kerala state government to adopt policies that align with Sharia law.
Zumba Row Follows Recurring Pattern of Islamic Groups Influencing Kerala’s Education Policies
All prominent Islamic organisations in Kerala have united in opposition to the inclusion of Zumba in school programmes. Groups such as Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, Wisdom Islamic Organisation, Samastha Kerala Sunni Yuvajana Sangham (SYS), and the Muslim Students Federation (MSF) have publicly denounced the move. Adding weight to their protests, the Congress party has declared its support. Leader of the Opposition and senior Congress leader VD Satheesan has endorsed the demands raised by these Islamic groups.
This is not the first time Islamic organisations have pressured the state government over education policies. When the CPI(M)-led Left government introduced gender-neutral school uniforms and proposed mixed seating for boys and girls, Islamic groups mounted protests, eventually forcing the government to roll back its decision. Similar opposition was voiced when the state revised school timings to 8 a.m.–2 p.m., which Islamic organisations claimed would interfere with madrassa education. In each instance, the Pinarayi Vijayan government gave in. The current Zumba protests are seen as a continuation of the trend of capitulating to religious hardliners.
Kerala: Islamists decry Zumba in schools as blasphemous, oppose girls-boys dancing; face flak for imposing Talibanism
By: Vishnu Aravind#Kerala https://t.co/EIuQfkHfSj
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) June 28, 2025
Islamists call Zumba blasphemous, allege Religious erosion & demand rollback
Islamic organisations argue that dancing, music, and the mingling of boys and girls of different backgrounds are inherently un-Islamic. They further claim that introducing Zumba dance into schools constitutes blasphemy. False propaganda is also being circulated, alleging that Zumba sessions involve children dancing in revealing outfits.
These groups argue that such practices infringe upon students’ personal freedoms and violate their religious rights. Nassar Faizi, a leader of Samastha, declared that allowing children, especially older ones, to dance in revealing clothing and in mixed groups is objectionable. Bahauddin Nadvi, a member of Samastha’s Mushavara, echoed similar sentiments, alleging that the government aims to insult religion. He urged religious groups to respond, even writing on Facebook to rally support. Abdusamad Pookottur, leader of the SYS, claimed that Zumba dance undermines religious values by encouraging co-ed dancing. He emphasised the need for better awareness in anti-drug campaigns and announced his intention to meet with government representatives to urge a policy reversal. T.K. Ashraf, General Secretary of the Wisdom Islamic Organization, also opposed Zumba’s inclusion in schools. He argued that children are sent to school to study, not to learn a culture of scant clothing, music, and mixed dancing.
The current education policy includes scheduled physical training (PT) periods: three periods per week for upper primary, two for eighth grade, and one per week for ninth and tenth grades. Higher secondary students also have two PT periods weekly. Zumba is to be conducted during these sessions. Already implemented in several schools, teachers report that the initiative has been well received by students.
Congress Wins Boost Islamist Demands; CPI(M) Faces Heat as Hindu-Christian Worries Over Sharia Influence Rise
The Islamists have been emboldened by the recent electoral victories of the Congress party. The win by Congress candidate Shoukath in the Nilambur assembly by-election, part of Priyanka Gandhi’s Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency, has boosted morale of islamic extremists. A prior win of Congress in the Palakkad assembly by-election has further strengthened the belief among Islamist forces that Congress is poised to return to power in the 2026 state assembly elections. Although the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has remained silent so far, there is growing speculation that it may also join the protest in the days ahead. It is worth recalling that during the previous Congress-Muslim League government (2011–2016), Muslim ministers refused lamp lighting at inaugural events, declaring it un-Islamic.
With Muslim extremists stepping up their opposition, public attention now turns to the state government’s response. People are keen to see whether the CPI(M) administration will once again give in, especially with the upcoming local body elections in October and the 2026 assembly elections looming. The possibility of dropping Zumba from schools to appease Islamic religious groups cannot be dismissed.
However, yielding to the demands of these Islamic extremist factions may set a dangerous precedent. The insistence that Kerala govern itself by rigid religious codes raises serious concerns about the future of personal freedom, gender equality, and secular governance in the state. Many fear that conceding to such hardline pressures could steer Kerala toward a path resembling Taliban rule.
