Let's bury the hijab row and move on

And those who are demanding uniform dress code should look within themselves. Have they ever raised a voice against the scourge of caste in Hindu religion? They are the same people who openly feel that reservation for backwards in jobs and educational institutions should be scrapped without any further delay. And now these moralists are again prowling

EVEN as the hijab controversy has torn the peaceful Udupi town in Karnataka, famous for all those enterprising guys who open Udupi restaurants across India and serving delicious South Indian delicacies, young accomplished hijab wearing girls are playing Volleyball at Juhu beach in Mumbai. These girls are visible there more often than not in the morning even as waves of gigantic Arabian sea are hitting the beach.

Obviously, these girls perhaps do not belong to the lower strata of the society. These Gujarati/ English speaking girls leave the beach area in their cars after playing there. Well, nobody can force them to wear or not wear hijab or any other dress. Certainly not any orthodox cleric. They are wearing hijab at their own. Who can force them in cosmopolitan Mumbai? And in 1890 established prestigious Islam Gymkhana in Mumbai, almost all the women sitting there wear hijab. It is a club for rich and famous Muslims of Mumbai. Do you think anybody can force these ladies to wear the hijab? No way.

And even as anyone is wearing hijab at her will, who has given right to others to force or ask them to remove it? The ruffians who were yelling at a young girl of Udupi's college to remove her hijab deserve the strongest possible condemnation of every sane Indian. And Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind (JuH) too deserves condemnation as it has announced a sum of Rs 5 lakh 'as encouragement for the Karnataka student who gained limelight for holding her ground when faced with hundreds of protesting students.' What was the need for 'encouragement'? JUH bosses should know that their action has only created further bad blood in already vicious atmosphere of Karnataka. It is so unfortunate that the virus of communal hatred has penetrated even in down South.

Madani said the Rs 5 lakh was an encouragement for her bravery. Madani, will you answer as to what kind of effort either you or your esteemed organisation has been doing for girls' education in India?

And those who are demanding uniform dress code should look within themselves. Have they ever raised a voice against the scourge of caste in Hindu religion? They are the same people who openly feel that reservation for backwards in jobs and educational institutions should be scrapped without any further delay. And now these moralists are again prowling.

Whether wearing a hijab should be allowed or not, the Karnataka High Court is hearing the case. Hopefully, the honourable court would pronounce the verdict soon. Naturally, it has to be implemented in letter and spirit.

Udupi is a city in Karnataka known for its ancient temples, including the huge, 13th-century Sri Krishna Temple, which houses a statue of Lord Krishna and attracts many pilgrims, and banks. Canara Bank, Karnataka Bank, Vijaya Bank and Corporation Bank all were established in and around here. The Corporation Bank Heritage Museum features coins dating from 400 BC, plus stamps and displays about India's banking industry. It is so sad that such a vibrant town with great history is in flames.

As somebody who was in the governing body of Crescent school run by Punjabi Muslims at Darya Ganj in Delhi for many years and also taught in Jamia Millia Islamia, I can say with some degree of authority that those who wear hijab generally wear at their own will. They cannot be forced. In Crescent School, some girls do wear hijab, but majority of them do not use it. Same is the case with Jamia Millia Islamia students. And in both these institutions girls from economically backward to affluent families study.

And before we move further let us understand the difference between hijab and burqa as some people confuse with them. Some women wear a headscarf to cover their head and hair, while others wear a burqa, which also covers up their face. Headscarves are seen as a sign of modesty by people who wear them, and a symbol of religious faith, but not everyone agrees with them and in some countries, like France and Denmark, there's a ban on wearing garments that cover the face in public. Surely, India cannot follow France or Denmark. Why should we? The word hijab describes the act of covering up generally but is often used to describe the headscarves worn by Muslim women. These scarves come in many styles and colours. The type most commonly worn in India covers the head and neck but leaves the face clear. As far as the burqa is concerned, it is the most concealing of all Islamic veils. It is a one-piece veil that covers the face and body, often leaving just a screen to see through. Surely, I cannot go with it though if someone wears it happily, who can speak for her.

Remember, Hindu and Sikh women too cover their heads not only in villages but also in big towns too. Just visit bustling industrial town Faridabad, which is at a shouting distance from Delhi. The moment you enter there, you would see young and old ladies covering their heads from either Sarees or Chunni. Nobody force them to do so. They are doing as it is part of their culture. Now, the moot question is: Should we invest our energy on non-issues like wearing or not wearing hijab? Let our young generation concentrate on their studies and become better citizens. After all, they have to run our country in future. Let us give them a fair opportunity to excel in their careers.

The posterity will never forgive those who are trying to divide them on the lines of religion. Can we stop discussing religion outside the four walls of our abode? It is high time we should think on this issue.

(The author is a Delhi-based journalist who closely follows South Asia, business, Delhi and Indian Diaspora)