As an atheist, I feel that the whole controversy about wearing being barred from school for wearing the hijab was unnecessary. However, for the decision making authorities, the issue of a uniform appears to have become one of paramount importance. And for the girls who have been barred from the classroom because of what they choose to wear, this is a serious issue.
Some students decided to protest against the wearing of hijab in their school/college by donning saffron scarves along with their uniforms. As a response to this protest, Muslim girls wearing hijab were barred from attending classes. They were not permitted on campus. The authorities cited rules that require the compulsory wearing of uniforms as a reason for this. Citing disruption of public law & order ‘equality and integrity’ the girls were prevented from entering school unless they removed their hijab.
Students and their parents say that this was a later imposition by the authorities; that there is no actual rule barring girls from wearing hijab so long as they were in uniform. Later some of the students wearing saffron scarves were also made to remove that garment before entering the campus. Then Bahujan students came out in support of students wearing hijab and groups wearing blue shawls were seen clashing with students in saffron shawls. Finally, it now seems that girls wearing hijab have been assigned a separate class where they will receive instruction. To me, this was the most bizarre. If the authorities barred girls in hijab on the ground that they were not in proper uniform, how did separate classes resolve that issue?
Then the whole issue has taken a decidedly political turn (some BJP member even made the usual 'Go to Pakistan' remark). And in all of this, the issue of personal liberty has gotten lost. Firstly, there is the issue of what hijab is – as per my limited understanding this is a headscarf that is worn in a way that covers the head, sides of the face and neck. This is different from the burqa or niqab that cover the face. So to my mind, a hijab is more of an identity marker of one's religious faith. It is much the same as, say a forehead tilak, a mangalsutra, sindoor, or a crucifix, or a Sikh turban. It is an article of faith.
As Indians, we have the freedom to profess the religion of our choice and to practice that religion. Practising the religion includes articles of faith that are seen as central to the practice of that religion. Covering the head is seen as central to some who practise the Islamic faith. It is similar to the Sikh not cutting their hair and wearing a specific type of turban, or certain Hindu castes applying tilak or bhabhuti or growing their hair in a certain way.
Covering the head has long been a tradition in many Indian communities. It is seen as a sign of respect, modesty etc. Both men and women are seen to wear different kinds of headgear for various purposes – ceremonial, traditional, religious. So why was the Muslim headscarf seen to be so problematic?
What really was the reason for protesting against female students wearing the hijab? It appears that this was not seen as contravening the rules relating to ‘uniform’ by the authorities until recently. This seems to be a reaction to recent protests and pressure brought to bear on the educational institution(s). This singling out of one particular community to target is unfortunate, to say the least, but in no way unusual, alas.
I am both an atheist and irreligious. Tradition and religious rituals mean little to me personally, but I respect people’s need to assert their religious identity in whichever way they deem fit – the form of a head covering in this case. I may not subscribe to it, I may not even like it, but I believe that anyone who wants to do it, should have absolute freedom to do it.
And when has banning anything ever worked? If the school and college authorities mandate that females would not be allowed to attend school and college without a headscarf, it is likely that orthodox families will simply prevent them from being educated. Is this the aim? Should we be aiming to make education easier, more inclusive and accessible? This move seems to be trying to do the opposite.
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