Educationists argue that the hijab issue is harming the social fabric and that girls should prioritize their studies over politics

*Paromita Das

Six young girls wearing black burkas stepped out and walked briskly towards the Udupi Press Club on Tuesday, preparing to answer questions about the Karnataka High Court ruling on wearing hijab to class.

They had gone through a marathon briefing session with the Campus Front of India on how to respond to media questions. When questions about their future were asked at the press conference, they were confronted with reality.

When asked how they intend to continue their education if they continue to insist on wearing hijab to class, the girls argued that wearing the headscarf is part of their religion.

“We also wish to further our education.” We will prepare for the exam and are also prepared to write it. “However, we will do so while wearing our hijab,” Aliya Assadi, one of the six petitioners, stated.

“We had complete faith in our judicial system, that we would be given justice.” We trusted the courts and our constitution, and we believed we would be granted our constitutional rights. However, we did not receive justice. Another petitioner, Ayesha Almas, expressed her disappointment.

The hijab is not an essential religious practice, according to the Karnataka High Court, which upheld an interim order prohibiting the use of headscarves in classrooms on Tuesday. Several districts in Karnataka, including Udupi, Shivamogga, Kundapura, and Chikkamgalur, have seen violent protests against the restriction in recent weeks.

“We are of the considered opinion that the wearing of hijab by Muslim women does not form a part of essential religious practise in Islamic faith,” said the ruling.

The controversy erupted in late December of last year, when six Muslim students were barred from wearing headscarves to class.

“They claim that the hijab is not part of our religion, but I must say that it is an important aspect of our religion that we must wear the hijab.” “I’ve decided to only attend classes while wearing a hijab,” Ayesha told News18.com.

However, many educators and social thinkers believe that the petitioners’ strategy should be reconsidered.

Dr. Mahabaleshwar Rao, a senior educator in Udupi, stressed that the girls are squandering their futures.

“They should understand that it was a simple case of indiscipline, as they have stated that they will not wear the prescribed uniform.” It could have been resolved at the college level.

It is the fundamental forces of both religions that have elevated it to the level of a political issue. This is wreaking havoc on the educational system and social fabric,” Dr Rao told News18.com. “A uniform is a symbol of unity, a non-religious code that identifies one as belonging to a specific institution. I applaud the court’s decision, which clarified the issue of a dress code for all educational institutions.”

Chambi Puranik, a political science professor at Mysuru University, believes the issue is “myopic” and that the girls should be concerned about their future. “It’s equivalent to saying their beliefs, faith, and religion are more important.” I want to tell the girls that they are foregoing their own future.

“They will be losers if they do not write their exams or attend classes,” Dr Puranik said. “This situation cannot be sustained. Many Muslim women have remained silent because they are aware of their community’s segregation. Taking into account the support and empowerment of Muslim women in this century, despite religious leaders’ opposition, the women enjoy their empowerment.”

Vidya Dinker, a pro-women activist based in Mangaluru, told News18.com that the hijab issue would force Muslim girls into Muslim-run institutions.

“This will be a travesty of justice and everything we cherish in terms of equality, fraternity, and what the constitution envisions for us,” she said.

Dinker also stressed the importance of educational institutions and their college development committees meeting to understand the High Court order.

“They must recognise that the onus is now on them to create a secular educational space.” They must decide whether to permit the wearing of the hijab or other religious identity markers. “If you say hijab cannot be worn, what about other religious symbols?” she inquired.