A teacher in Kerala, T. K. Ashraf, has been suspended from his position at PKMUP School in Edathanattukara, Palakkad, after publicly criticizing the state government's initiative to introduce Zumba classes in schools. The General Education Department took swift action, directing the school to initiate disciplinary proceedings, including suspension, against Ashraf within 24 hours. The directive was issued on July 1, 2025, following Ashraf's Facebook posts, which were deemed defamatory to the government and the education department.
The Zumba program was introduced in Kerala schools as part of an anti-drug campaign, aiming to promote physical activity and community engagement among students. Videos of students and teachers participating in Zumba sessions have been widely shared on social media. However, the initiative has faced opposition from certain groups, particularly some Muslim religious organizations, who have raised concerns citing cultural reasons and values.
Ashraf, who is also the General Secretary of the Wisdom Islamic Organisation, voiced his concerns through multiple Facebook posts. In a post on June 26, Ashraf stated that implementing Zumba in schools, under the guise of stress reduction, could be more harmful than beneficial, especially given the increasing boundary-crossing behavior of high school students at DJ parties and other celebrations. He also expressed his disapproval of boys and girls dancing together in revealing clothing to music, stating that he is conservative in this matter. In another post, Ashraf declared that he would not participate in the compulsory Zumba sessions and would not allow his son to participate either, stating his readiness to face any consequences from the department. He further argued that the core issue was the lack of public dialogue before implementing the program and that targeting those who raise concerns would not resolve the matter.
The Wisdom Islamic Organisation has condemned the action against Ashraf, stating that his concerns reflect the sentiments of a segment of society that upholds traditional values. The organization views the suspension as an attempt to silence teachers and suppress their right to express their views.
In response to the controversy, Minister Saji Cherian accused certain groups of promoting divisive politics under the guise of opposition to Zumba dance. He also alleged that the controversies surrounding Zumba and the film Janaki vs State of Kerala were part of efforts to spread communal hatred. General Education Minister V. Sivankutty has maintained the government's firm stance on the Zumba program, stating that the opposition to it is "more venomous than narcotic substance". He clarified that the activities involve only light exercises performed in school uniforms and that children are required to participate in the learning processes prescribed by the government, as per the Right To Education (RTE) norms.
The suspension of T. K. Ashraf has ignited a debate about freedom of expression for government employees and the appropriateness of implementing certain programs in schools without proper public consultation. Previously, the Kerala High Court had instructed the Central University of Kerala (CUK) to reinstate Dr. Prasad Pannian, who had been suspended for a Facebook post criticizing the arrest of a Dalit scholar. The court emphasized that employees should not be prevented from expressing their views and that healthy criticism is essential in a democratic society.
