What is Zumba and why has it been introduced in schools

Zumba, a fitness programme that blends lively music and dance moves, has been around for years but is now at the heart of a major row that again pits certain Muslim organisations against the State government.

The government initiated the zumba programme in schools this academic year to promote students’ physical and mental health and in step with its anti-drug campaign ‘With children and youth’ that sought to channelise students’ interests and energy away from drugs into positive alternatives.

This followed a meeting convened by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of representatives of student and youth organisations, teacher and parent organisations, experts from various fields, and Ministers at the State Assembly on March 30 to prepare an action plan to curb the increase in substance abuse and violence among students and youth.

The Chief Minister had then suggested zumba as a way of relieving the many stresses that students faced and directed Minister for General Education V. Sivankutty to look into implementing it in the new academic year.

Mr. Sivankutty had then said that some form of exercise would be organised in schools in the afternoons to invigorate students and improve their mental and physical well-being. He later announced a mega Zumba display by 1,000 students in the State capital on April 30 to create awareness against drug abuse and give more importance to physical activity in the school curriculum.

The General Education department also provided training to teachers on organising zumba session from class VIII onwards. With the government laying more thrust on health and physical education in the curriculum, more time has been allotted for physical activity in the timetable.

State Council of Educational Research and Training Director Jayaprakash R.K. said Zumba was also part of the revised school curriculum. It had been included in the new class VIII art education and physical education textbooks.

Following criticism of the Zumba programme, the Kerala School Teachers’ Association (KSTA) has questioned the claim that no discussion had gone into it. It pointed out that those flaying the decision should have taken part in the meeting called by the Chief Minister earlier or given their opinions in writing.

The Kerala Pradesh School Teachers’ Association said organising Zumba sessions was inadequate to keep children from turning to substance abuse. More meaningful and effective strategies had to be implemented, particularly when synthetic drugs were increasingly available.

Controversy apart, Zumba remains a popular fitness activity. Its appeal lies in the rhythmic music and the group fitness model that pushes one to do more, says Rashmi Kishore, an instructor.

Rashmi says it is an exercise in disguise, something one does without being conscious of it, especially if one does not like working out alone. A chunk of her clientele is middle-aged for whom regular and consistent physical activity is a mantra for good health. It is also a good stress-buster, especially for those working in high-pressure jobs, says Rashmi.