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The Kerala General Education Department on Tuesday, July 1, directed disciplinary action against T K Ashraf, a teacher at PKMUP School, Edathanattukara, Palakkad, after he publicly criticised the introduction of Zumba dance classes in schools as part of the state’s anti-drug campaign.
Following an order from the Director of General Education, the Deputy Director of Education, Palakkad, issued a letter to the school management, instructing it to initiate disciplinary proceedings, including possible suspension, against Ashraf within 24 hours. The action comes after Ashraf’s Facebook posts were found to contain remarks deemed defamatory towards the state government and the education department.
Kerala schools introduced daily Zumba sessions from the first week of June, with videos of students and teachers dancing together widely shared on social media. The initiative was promoted as a method to engage students positively and discourage substance abuse.
However, Ashraf, who is also the General Secretary of the Wisdom Islamic Organisation, made multiple Facebook posts objecting to the programme. In a post on June 26, he wrote, “Providing a stage for Zumba in schools in the name of reducing stress will invite more harm than good, at a time when high school students are crossing boundaries at DJ parties and other celebrations.” He also linked his objections to unrelated incidents, such as a student’s death in Thamarassery and an accident at a Kochi campus event, stating, “We see many celebrations that were conducted calmly earlier turning into spaces for boys and girls to mingle and dance uncontrollably.”
Ashraf further argued that the dance sessions could disrupt discipline in schools and distract students, adding that while a section of teachers might “eagerly” welcome the programme, others would be uncomfortable. In another post on June 27, he said he would not implement compulsory Zumba sessions in his capacity as a teacher and would not allow his son to participate, adding that he was “ready to face any action” the department may take.
The Education Department has maintained that the Zumba programme is part of a structured anti-drug initiative under the Vimukthi Mission, designed to promote physical activity and community engagement among students. While the initiative has been welcomed in many schools, it has also faced opposition from some Muslim religious groups, who have raised concerns citing cultural reasons.