'Not ideal to force dress code on people, better to avoid controversy'

KOCHI: Opposition leader V.D. Satheesan asked the government not to show haste in introducing Zumba dance in schools and demanded a discussion to avoid controversy over the incident.

“There is no need to impose such exercises. People who like it can do it, and others need not. India is a country with varied languages and customs. The differences are part of the beauty of this country.” said Satheesan on the Zumba issue.

Meanwhile, MLA Rahul Mamkootathil echoed the opposition leader’s opinion and asked the government to prevent the issue from turning controversial. Rahul said that Zumba is an exercise routine that is practised internationally, and there is no need to get into a controversy over it.

Education Minister V. Sivankutty responded that the objections raised regarding Zumba will only fuel the communalism of the majority. Exercise will provide mental happiness to children along with physical benefits. The minister also said that Zumba is being conducted in 90 per cent of the 14,000 schools in Kerala.

“If there is any misunderstanding about Zumba, we are ready to clear it up. Zumba is done in school uniforms and not any other showy dress as propagated. The objections raised against the exercise are deadlier than other viruses. Religious organisations should high time stop intervening in unnecessary issues and making them worse.” Said Sivankutty.