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College headscarf ban: Students speak out
On August 19, SVS College in Bantwal near Mangalore allegedly banned a young Muslim girl from attending lectures wearing a headscarf.
On August 29, youngsters and irate parents participated in an agitation outside Vani College in Hyderabad after the principal supposedly instructed students not to wear their burqas to class and ordered that the college gates be closed to prevent them entering.
While the controversy continues to rage over these debatable decisions on the part of educational authorities, rediff.com decided to interview a few Mumbai college-goers to get their take on the issue.
Here, Jyoti Rathod and Komal Singh first year students of Nitin Godiwala College offer their opinions on the head scarf ban and dress codes on campus.
You too can share your opinions on this subject with us. If you're a college student, capture yourself and your friends on camera and have your say. Simply:
And be sure to email us the link to your video at getahead@rediff.co.in (subject line: 'Head scarf controversy'). We'll feature the best ones on rediff.com
Videos: Prasanna D Zore
'Religious freedom should be given'
Next up are NMIMS college students Karishma, Vidhi and Manisha, who believe that the cultural diversity of Indian society demands that everyone's religious sentiments be respected. They are also in favour of a decent, but not overly oppressive dress code on campus.
'It is their community's way'
Youngster Kunal expresses the opinion that if Hindus wore a traditional garment nobody would object and that every community's beliefs should be respected. While he believes that discipline on campus should be maintained, he is against a college dress code and moral policing.
'It's partly wrong and partly right'
Sathaye College first year student Shalaka explains that while she is all for a dress code in colleges, she does not believe that such regulations should be passed when it comes to religious matters.
'We are a democratic country'
Finally, we have this merry band of college-going boys who are unanimous in their opinion that religous-minded youngsters should be allowed to follow their own beliefs. They also believe that as long as both boys and girls wear garments well below the knees, there is no need for a dress code.
You too can share your opinions on this subject with us. If you're a college student, capture yourself and your friends on camera and have your say. Simply:
And be sure to email us the link to your video at getahead@rediff.co.in (subject line: 'Head scarf controversy'). We'll feature the best ones on rediff.com