SVS Government College in Bantwal, near Mangalore in Karnataka, stirred up a controversy when the institution barred Ayesha Ashmin from wearing a headscarf to college. The first year degree student from Bantwal alleged that college principal Sitaram Maiyya warned her against wearing the headscarf and asked her to choose between her studies or her religion.
However, Ayesha refuses to give up her fight. She along with her father, B Mohammed are running from pillar to post seeking justice. The college, which had earlier denied have made any such demand, now says that it is necessary that every student abides by the rules and the same cannot be discriminatory in nature.
In this interview with rediff.com's Vicky Nanjappa, Ayesha along with her father Mohammad speak in length about the incident and what they plan to do in the future
Firstly, take us through the incident in brief
I study at the SVS college. The college re-opened on July 2009 and two weeks later the college elections were held. Bharath, a final year student in the college, was elected as president. One day, he came up to me and told me that I should not be wearing a headscarf. He told me that if I don't take off the headscarf it could become an issue in college.
What did you tell him?
I requested him to permit me to continue wearing the headscarf, as it was a religious issue. Bharath then told me that all the other students would wear saffron shawls and come to college. I immediately thought of discussing this matter with the principal, but he too was not in my favour. He instead summoned my parents and told them that I could not continue wearing the head scarf to college.
Did you think it was important to go to the media? Look at how big this issue has become and moreover it is sensitive in nature.
Ayesha's father speaks: We had no choice. We did try our level best. What wrong did my daughter do? Everyone has to respect sentiments of others. In her earlier college, she wore a burqa and there was no such problem. Why have the authorities made it a problem?
Ayesha: I would like to ask here. If a nun can wear a head scarf to college and there is no opposition to that why should the case be any different for me.
Your studies sure have and will continue to take a hit. Are you not worried about that?
I had no intention of getting into this controversy. My dream is to become a chartered accountant and I will fulfill that dream. I will work harder and ensure that my dreams are fulfilled.
The college has made it clear that if you don't abide by the rules then you will have to find another college. What are your views on this?
Ayesha's father speaks: We will continue to fight until we get justice. What wrong have we done?
Wearing a headscarf is not a crime.
Ayesha: What rules are we talking about here? When I sought admission to the college, nowhere in the prospectus or any other paper was it mentioned that it is against the rules to wear a headscarf.
Is there any particular reason for singling out your daughter alone? I am sure that there are several other Muslim students who wear either a burqa or a headscarf to college.
Ayesha's father speaks: I would not say that my daughter has been singled out. I am sure that such instances have occurred, but those girls did not have the guts to speak out on the issue. My daughter spoke up and this should become a precedent. There should not be any discrimination anywhere on the basis of religion.
You say that your studies are very important. This incident sure has done no good to your attendance. Don't you think you should have persuaded the college more and ensure that the matter was sorted out.
You think I have not done that. This was the last ditch attempt for me. I am extremely worried about my future and the mental torture that I have gone through is a real lot. I tried at least more than four times to convince the college, but that has not happened. My intention was never to ruin the reputation of the college. I only wish that everything falls into place.
Would you go back if the college authorities apologise?
I sure would go back. I, in fact, want them to take me back. I even have a lot of hope from the University, which I feel is taking up my case.
Ayesha's father speaks: I know it is difficult to get admission at this time of the year in some other college. I too would be happy if the college took her back. She is a brave girl and will go back to the same college. My only dream is to see to it that my daughter studies well and completes whatever she has been aiming for.
