Hijab Row: Father to Transfer Daughter from Kochi School, Citing Mental Distress
Kochi: Following the ongoing hijab controversy, Anas, the father of a student at St. Rita’s School in Palluruthy, has announced his decision to withdraw his daughter from the institution. Anas communicated this development through a Facebook post, stating that the accusations implying their actions disrupted communal harmony had caused immense mental distress to his family.
In his statement, Anas highlighted the positive response from the Kerala Government and the Education Department regarding his daughter’s request to wear a headscarf (hijab) to school, emphasizing it as her fundamental right. He noted that the inquiry conducted by the Education Department and its subsequent report affirmed the legitimacy and seriousness of his daughter’s demand. However, he expressed profound disappointment and hurt over the school authorities’ reactions to this justifiable request.
Anas elaborated on the mental anguish suffered by his family, particularly his daughter, after teachers—who themselves wear similar religious attire as nuns—allegedly told her that her wearing a shawl would frighten other children. He also revealed that certain political leaders and public representatives had portrayed him and his daughter as culprits, exerting pressure on them to retract their demand. Anas stated that these relentless pressures have taken a severe toll on their mental well-being, pushing them to a breaking point.
He further explained that despite the righteousness of their demand, they observed various parties attempting to exploit the situation for political and communal gain. He specifically pointed to the “communal intervention” led by the school’s PTA President, which caused significant psychological trauma to both him and his daughter. Consequently, they have decided to discontinue her education at St. Rita’s School. Their plan is to obtain a transfer certificate (TC) and enroll her in another institution. Anas expressed hope that the school authorities would, in turn, abandon their stubbornness and pride to ensure other children’s education is not disrupted. He also appealed to the school management, the PTA, and other involved parties to cease misusing their family’s name to disturb peace in the community.
Separately, Education Minister V. Sivankutty had previously criticized the school management, accusing them of attempting to politicize the issue. The minister asserted that the management was challenging the government, warning that such challenges were unwarranted and that “the law would take its course.” He reiterated that the reactions from the school management and the PTA were politically motivated. During a press conference, the minister also accused the school’s legal counsel and management of attempting to malign the government and the education department.