Hijab Row: ‘I choose what part of my body I want to cover,’ says academic Azra Razzack

NEW DELHI: The hijab row in Karnataka reached such a point on Tuesday that the state’s chief minister, Basavaraj S Bommai, ordered the closure of schools and colleges for three days. It began in December 2021, with six Muslim students of Udupi Women’s Pre-University (PU) College being banned from attending classes in hijab, a headscarf worn by many Muslim women. Protests and counter-protests by Hindu right-wing groups spread through the state, with leaders from the ruling BJP speaking in support of the latter and school authorities.

On February 5, the Karnataka government banned hijab via a circular stating “Invoking 133 (2) of the Karnataka Education Act-1983, which says a uniform style of clothes has to be worn compulsorily”; the government is planning to introduce a uniform dress code and education minister BL Nagesh said: “Just as rules are followed in the military, the same is to be done here (in educational institutions) as well.” The six students filed a petition in the Karnataka High Court on January 31 seeking relief. The petition was heard on February 8 and will be heard again today.

Educationist Azra Razzack, professor, Dalit and Minorities Studies at Jamia Millia Islamia University, believes that classroom should “respect” the diversity of India’s population and that more than a religious question, the current controversy is about girls’ choice also. A former consultant with the Prime Minister’s High Level Committee examining the social, economic and educational status of Muslims, popularly known as the Justice Sachar committee, she spoke to Careers360.

Q. The controversy over hijab has led to schools, colleges being shut in Karnataka. There is also talk of a uniform dress code. What is your take on it?

In the current scenario, things are very difficult and sensitive. The authorities don’t want to have a uniform dress code for the sake of it. Whether you should wear any uniform at all is debatable. The advantage of wearing a uniform in schools and colleges is to remove any sense of disparity as these institutions have students coming from diverse backgrounds. Uniforms allow a similar presentation for all. It helps students coming from modest backgrounds be at the same level as students coming from affluent families. For those who cannot afford a uniform, it is a burden.

Uniforms also give a sense of identity. But there is no clear-cut answer to this.

In reference to the current controversy, I don't think there should be any problem with girls wanting to wear a hijab. Problems would occur if the colour of the hijab is clashing with that of the uniform. The main question is: how does barring students from attending classes help at all? Also, more than a religious issue, it is one of choice that girls, or anyone, can exercise in terms of what they want to wear. Its also about denying Muslim women agencies so its not their choices but someone's else choice which are imposed on them.

For Sikh boys who wear turbans, the colour of the turban must match the uniform of the institute. Your ribbons, matching with socks and belt, so hijab can match as well. So, in this context, this should be allowed.

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Q. The Karnataka CM says that following a religion in the premises of an educational institution disturbs equality, integrity and public law and order'. What's your opinion on this?

What law are we talking about? If a few girls want to wear hijab, what will happen? Plus, it's not all girls, only a few of them. How is it going to be a law and order problem? It is a ridiculous comment. Law and order situations may arise if you force them to do something like stop wearing a hijab. How is it coming in the way of anything? It's my right to wear anything. I choose what part of my body I want to cover.

Q. There have been several controversies over the ‘othering’ of a section of students in the classrooms. Does this look similar? Also, what do you think of retaliatory protests by non-Muslims who are now arriving wearing saffron scarves to government colleges. How does it impact students?

If boys and girls have come forward wearing saffron scarves [as a way to oppose the hijab], that's just playing mischief. That clearly shows they are trying to create controversy.

In a typical scenario, students often come to school wearing a pooja bindi, because they had a pooja or a religious ceremony at home. And there’s nothing wrong with that. I have grown up with several South Indians who would have a small tikka everyday, along with uniforms, and no one objected to it.

The other point is that some schools are okay with such practices and some aren’t. Some schools object to girls wearing henna in schools and others allow it. The point is to make students comfortable.

The rigidity of wanting everyone to look alike is problematic. There is so much diversity in the country, we cannot continue to impose such practices in educational institutions. Governments should accept diversity and respect it. We have to understand that in an institution, students come from different sections, classes. For instance, back in 1960’s and 70’s, convent schools had skirts but with time, some have also allowed girls to wear salwar kameez. Wearing something comfortable is always a better option. If a girl wants to cover a part of her body, that’s her right.

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Q. What impact will this leave on the girls’ education?

Students are aware about the power of social media and everybody has access to the internet and far more aware of what is happening. That’s one of the reasons they want to exercise their rights.

However, very young students would probably be guided by their parents. But children of all ages are questioning the norms. Also, when young students go to courts, it depends on whether courts listen to them or not and how it will play, only time will tell. And students have every right to claim their rights.

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The other reason for students moving to court is that people are tired of what’s happening around them. There is despondency but there is also a need to protect our rights.