‘Zumba a foreign product’: Sangh-affiliated body joins Muslim groups in criticising Kerala govt’s move, backs yoga

Thiruvananthapuram: Cultural and religious backlash over Zumba’s inclusion in Kerala’s school anti-drug campaign escalated on Sunday, as right-wing cultural outfit Bharatiya Vichara Kendram condemned the move as a “cultural invasion” and a “show of hypocrisy”.

Based in Thiruvananthapuram, the think tank aligned with Sangh Parivar criticised the CPM-led Left government for promoting “foreign products” like Zumba while ignoring Kerala’s traditional legacy in sports, yoga, and dance.

“Kerala has a rich legacy in the field of art and sports. The government, which has made no effort to preserve or promote this heritage, is now promoting foreign products like Zumba — a move driven by the hidden agenda of certain vested interests,” said R Sanjayan, director of the organisation.

Yoga trainers ignored, alleges director

He alleged that the introduction of Zumba in schools was a deliberate attempt to sideline local yoga trainers and physical education experts who are now gaining recognition.

“In reality, Zumba is an intrusion and a cultural invasion against the traditional identity and heritage of this land,” he stated.

Double standards and drug issue distraction

Sanjayan criticised the government’s handling of the drug issue, calling the focus on Zumba a diversion from deeper systemic problems.

“While drug cartels continue to operate, the government is only arresting victims and making a spectacle out of it. At the same time, the government is importing things like Zumba instead of supporting local talent,” he said.

“It is in this context that the government's hypocrisy over Zumba becomes evident.”

Backdoor appointments concern raised

He further expressed concern that Zumba programmes may lead to irregular appointments.

“The import of Zumba is aimed at denying opportunities to Kerala's traditional physical education instructors and yoga trainers, who are now gaining widespread recognition,” Sanjayan claimed.

He also pointed out delays in appointing PSC-selected physical education teachers. “This paves the way for the smooth backdoor appointment of Zumba trainers,” he alleged.

'Government should look within'

According to Sanjayan, Kerala is not short of skilled dance choreographers, yoga instructors or sports coaches.

“If there is a need for innovative expressions, their services can very well be utilised. However, they receive no support whatsoever from the government,” he said.

“If innovation and creativity are needed, the government only needs to look within.”

Muslim groups also raised objections

Earlier, several Muslim organisations objected to the introduction of Zumba in schools, citing incompatibility with their cultural and religious values, particularly regarding the dance form and its attire.

The Bharatiya Vichara Kendram has urged parents, teachers’ unions, and cultural organisations to oppose what it called “covert moves that go against the cultural essence of our land”.

Government defends initiative

The state government introduced the Zumba programme based on a directive from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who argued that the Latin American dance-based fitness routine would help reduce stress among schoolchildren and discourage drug abuse.

Zumba training has already begun in many schools this academic year. However, opposition from both religious and ideological groups continues to mount.