Harshini Brahmavar
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Feb 18: The Hijab controversy which sparked in Udupi has since expanded and acquired the form of a wildfire. It has gained the centrespace everywhere and spread to all places. Because of the confusing stand taken by the state government on the issue, educational institutions have turned into sites of communal battle. The children are developing a sense of hatred against each other based on religious affiliations.

In between all the tension, a photo of non-Muslim girl students of the government girls high school here walking with their classmate wearing the Hijab, duly holding her hand tightly as if to assure her that they are with her, has given a strong message on religious harmony. The photo is going viral on social media.

The controversy had raised its head from the government PU college here. In course of time, the dispute acquired unexpected twists, turns and sizes. Even now fire continues to remain hidden in some cases which suddenly bursts into big fires.

The government girls' school here witnessed the harmonious scene of girls from different communities holding hands, which go on to uphold the notion that friendship does not get in any way affected by the Hijab - saffron shawl controversy.

The communal frictions happening in the state of late in the name of uniforms have left scars on the innocent minds of the children. The students, when going to schools from their homes, are worried and thinking about what they might have to undergo on the road and what is in store inside the school.

The students are surrounded by examinations on one hand, police vigil on the other, and camera eyes on another side. The students, either Muslim or othierwise, move to the school with a tinge of fear in the back their minds.

The people who have of late been witnessing photos that give rise to a sense of tension in their minds, might have been a bit relieved at the sight of the above photo where humane virtues and values of friendship are held high. At a time when friction is happening between education and religion, photos like this announce to the world that the feeling of harmony is still alive.

Talking about the educational institutions, they should never become centres where religious feelings are spread, but they should teach the students about discipline, life values, and harmony. They should be the places where the students get confidence. No one knows how far this volatile situation will continue but the need of the hour for the children is some words of advice on the values of harmony incidents which reinforce faith harmonious coexistence without getting chained by things like religious practices and individual belief systems.