Victory for Aysha Asmin; she can attend classes wearing a headscarf
Bantwal college to introduce dress code
Aysha Ashmin, who made headlines protesting against the college's refusal to allow her to wear scarf, has succeeded in partially in her efforts.
Sri Venkatramana Swamy (SVS) College in Bantwal, near here, has agreed to allow her to attend classes wearing headscarf. But for how long it will allow her to wear the headscarf of her choice is still not clear.
At a meeting convened by Mangalore University Vice-Chancellor Prof K M Kaveriappa at the University Syndicate Hall on Thursday, the college management agreed to allow her to wear the headscarf but disclosed that it would introduce dress code inside the campus. It only said that girl could use dupatta of the salwar kameez as headscarf.
Prof Kaveriappa told Deccan Herald that Aysha can attend classes wearing the headscarf. Also, headscarf will be optional, Kaveriappa said. Aysha was not allowed to attend classes since August 7. She had to skip the internal exams which began on August 17.
SVS College Principal Dr Seetharama Mayya, correspondent Ganesh Prabhu, Bantwal MLA B Ramanath Rai, Mangalore MLA U T Khader, Mangalore University Syndicate member P V Mohan and registrar Prof Chinnappa Gowda were present at the meeting.
When contacted, Aysha Ashmin told Deccan Herald that she is happy to get justice at last. "I am happy with the decision and extremely thankful to the college management. I am willing to go to SVS College again wearing headscarf. But my parents and relatives are unhappy with my decision," she said, adding that she may try to join some other college.
SVS College correspondent Ganesh Prabhu told Deccan Herald that the institute will introduce a dress code in the campus. Accordingly, girls will have to wear salwar kameez, while boys will have to wear trousers and shirt. Those girls who want to wear a headscarf can use the dupatta as one.
Further, Prabhu said that Aysha Ashmin can attend classes if she adheres to dress code, which will be introduced soon. However, she has already decided not to continue education in SVS College, he said, adding that girls will not be allowed to wear shawl of any other colour once the dress code was introduced.
