'No one will ask children to wear short clothes’; protests more deadly than drugs, says Education Minister

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: There is opposition from some quarters against Zumba dance and such opposition is more deadly than drugs, said Education Minister V Sivankutty at the press meet convened. This will lead to sectarianism in the society, said the minister.

'Sports are conducted by following the dress code. No one will ask children to wear short clothes. Children engage in sports in school uniforms. Therefore, children must participate compulsorily. It is essential to promote healthy activities. Such activities are part of anti-drug activities. When there was a protest against hijab in India, progressive movements took a stand. Religious organizations are taking a stand of turning a goat into a dog. This will only help in fostering majority communalism. The Left government in Kerala is the government that printed the preamble of the Constitution in all textbooks in Kerala. The Constitution makes everyone equal before the law,' clarified the minister.

The minister also responded to the Bharat Mata controversies. ‘The Constitution prohibits discrimination on the basis of religion, race, caste, gender, and place of birth. Although the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, those holding constitutional positions are not allowed to promote any religious practice in government programs. There is also an obligation to be neutral in religious matters. The Governor's action is an attack on the Constitution. This is not only a violation of protocol, but also an act that undermines secularism. A constitutional institution highlighting a specific religious symbol is indifferent to other religious groups. I walked out of the event because I could not bear to witness such constitutional violations,’ explained Minister V Sivankutty.