Overview

• Kerala mandated daily Zumba in public schools this academic year to reduce stress and curb youth drug use.
• On June 30, Muslim leader Rahmathullah Saquafi Elamaram publicly questioned the evidence supporting Zumba’s role in preventing drug use.
• Education Minister V. Sivankutty has defended the initiative and declined to reverse the mandatory sessions.
• Youth Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, SNDP, and DYFI have expressed strong support for the program as a secular health measure.
• Opponents contend that existing activities like running, jumping, and karate already fulfill fitness objectives and object to mixed-gender dance.