It is amazing how news of a certain type suddenly blows up.
A couple of weeks ago, in a hot, humid coastal South Indian town called Udupi, schools finally reopened after the long Covid break. Most students and teachers seemed relieved to be back - except at Government Pre-University College, Kundapura.
Out of over 590 students studying at this school, about six muslim girls out of 75 decided that they would not adhere to the normal school uniform, and instead wear the hijab. The school objected and stopped these students from entering its premises, and within a few days this became national and international news!
Suddenly everybody seemed to be hyperventilating about the constitutional rights of minorities, and alleged oppression by the Hindu Right. Prominent 'thought leaders' on the social media claimed that 'traditional dress', fundamental rights and cultural identifies were being trampled.
I have had numerous muslim classmates in Hyderabad and Thiruvananthapuram, and I never saw them in school wearing hijabs. Coming to think of it, I was not even sure of the various grades of this outfit - the hijab, chador, niqab and burka - until a few weeks ago. And now it turns out that the students who are insisting on wearing a hijab are actually wearing a much more conservative (and regressive) covering - the niqab.
Having travelled widely in that area since the 1980s I can vouch for the fact that the hijab was rarely seen in the southern states until very recently. The traditional dress worn by girls of all religions here has been the ones that are suitable for the local climate - long skirts/pavada and blouse, or light cotton sarees.
Why has it suddenly become necessary for a small section of people to demand an exemption for long-standing rules? Was this a deliberate attempt to provoke a reaction?
Amongst all the discussion and debates I have come across so far, this one from "India This Week" seemed closest to ground realities.
Unlike the shrill debates you see on the TV channels, often dominated by extremists of all hues, this one offers the unique perspective of educated muslim women who have themselves been working for years to increase the literacy levels amongst the poorest sections of the society.
It is a pity that sane voices like these are getting drowned out.
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LINKS & REFERENCES
* Islamic Dress Post - https://vintageindianclothing.com/2015/04/20/the-islamic-dress-post/
* Muslim Style in South India - https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/2786886.pdf
* 900 Cannot Suffer Because of Six Students - https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/hijab-row-udupi-govt-school-students-urge-management-to-start-classes-as-exams-near-1912725-2022-02-14
* Indian Girls are Fighting to Wear Hijab in College - https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-60079770
