Mangaluru college downplays hijab row, says students were aware of dress code before admission

coastaldigest.com web desk
June 25, 2018

Mangaluru, Jun 25: Hours after a bunch of burkha-clad girls staged a protest in front of St Agnes College in the city today against ban on headscarf inside classrooms, the principal downplayed the issue and justified the rules.

In a statement issued to the media, Sr Dr M Jeswina AC, principal, said that her college is a minority institution catering to women’s education in particular.

“We respect every student who chooses to study here. The management has framed rules and regulations to maintain order and discipline. Accordingly the college rule states that the students are not permitted to wear headscarf inside the classroom only. However, we have no objection if they wear it outside,” she clarified.

“The students and their parents are aware of this rule before seeking admission in our college. Yet a few students have gone on a protest without even submitting memorandum,” she said, adding that if there are any issues with any student, the management will settle the matter with the students and their parents.

Also Read: Mangaluru: Burkha-clad CFI girls protest in front St Agnes College over hijab ban

Comments

Abdul Aziz she…
 - 
Tuesday, 26 Jun 2018

I was surprised with these people who run educational institutions since long, and the management not understand the rights of Muslims women, that is also simple wearing scarf as it is a moral and religious rightrs of muslim women,and girls,  it covers the chastity  and aura of  a girl ,a mother , and as well all women,  but why these nuns are discriminating with muslim community only,  by the way why they cannot work without their scrafs inside school or college,  Every muslim women is a spiritually religious to wear scraf or cover the chastity with the scarf ..complare to few nuns only wear scarfs since it is their religious rights.

I am asking the management of college to  settle the matter peacefully .

Irshad
 - 
Tuesday, 26 Jun 2018

No one is abusing her, but for the decision what she has taken is just showing her personality whether she is a angel or simply a common woman who is making a religious chaos between two Community. Respect each others community is what we learn from from Masjid and Church. But here this is going some other way.need to stop before the situation is worsened

mohammed
 - 
Tuesday, 26 Jun 2018

I request all the muslim students to wear the same dress what the madam is wearing - problem solved..

Abdul Ahad
 - 
Tuesday, 26 Jun 2018

Shocked to read brainless comments from Muslims. Muslims cannot build an institution like St Agnes College in Mangalore. But they talk about their rights in Christian and Hindu managed colleges. What a tragedy. May Allah grant good sense to Muslims so that they realize their foolishness.

Peacelover
 - 
Tuesday, 26 Jun 2018

Never expected such a drity mind set opinion form a religious  preacher. She  can wear full hijab and Muslim students not permitted.  It is well clear to understand what time of human being she is and what is her intention.

Dodanna
 - 
Tuesday, 26 Jun 2018

Check her passport how many times she visited isreal

Thanseer
 - 
Tuesday, 26 Jun 2018

Dear Management 

 

When you are implementing any rule's, it should be such that you should be following it. If your principal herself is wearing then how ethical is that to stop the students wearing it. 

Hijab is for to cover the modesty and not for exposing.!! Please respect each others propsective.

Anaswara M
 - 
Tuesday, 26 Jun 2018

Sr Dr M Jeswina AC is not a divine woman. She is an angel. Those who mock her must be extremists or anti-social elements.

Kabeer Nasir
 - 
Monday, 25 Jun 2018

One more Threat for Indian Democracy by the Principal of St. Agnes College Mangalore, Sr Dr M Jeswina AC. 

If the Principal can wear the Scarf, then why Shouldn’t the Students.

Again why its Double standard and what is the Method behind this policy. 

Common, once again we all indian’s should BIGOT this policy of St Agnes College Mangalore.

i donno hu ur. but i felt ur comment on the issue of head scarf as funny. as hijab for men and women is farl or compulsory den u need to follow it. to be a citizen of a country u must follow the rules of that country. similarly if u want to be a muslim u need to follow the rules of islam. otherwise u r not called one.u can say that islam is in heart need not show in hijab. when imaan is in heart then definitly hijab will be der otherwise u need to check ur imaan not alter the rules of islam.

 

Abdulbaseer
 - 
Monday, 25 Jun 2018

Principal Mam can wear fully covered headscarf. But students (muslim) can't...

Fadi
 - 
Monday, 25 Jun 2018

Dear All 

this is the height of hypochracy ..... she herself opt for it , and say you dont wear it ???// in Quran its mentioned ..''Do not preach unless you follow it ''

Sandeep
 - 
Monday, 25 Jun 2018

Dear Sister Dr. Jeswina

How can You prevent and take this decision being in a headscarf? Interestingly you preach this and practice proudly and roam around the world wearing such dress code which you and your institutions are opposing other community. May I ask you on behalf of society with all due respect to your valuable service to the education, what kind of justification you are putting forward to media and seeing students attend classes ignoring their constitutional demand. Dear Sister, will you implement and make it mandatory same rules for students who are wearing a similar dress which you are into? If not this approach will be called communalism or fascism (Sorry for using such words). 

Irshad
 - 
Monday, 25 Jun 2018

Dear Principal, Institutions are not at all allowed to restrict a students religious practice at any place inside the campus. In front of the constitution your college rules will fall down and your college rules should be modified. Look at the hypocrisy you are playing with the students. You will enter the class with your scarf on. And you want a particular community student to remove it? What kind of justice it is.No education institutions are even allowed to impose uniform system for students. We condemn your act. Just don't drag this issue more, please behave mature

 

DUMA
 - 
Monday, 25 Jun 2018

Catholic run schools and colleges always do like this. 

Arif
 - 
Monday, 25 Jun 2018

I am not sure whether there is male teacher in this college, if yes, then the women have right to observe hijab inside the classroom as well. No rules is bigger than the personal right guaranteed to individuals living in India. If this principal mam have right to observe her personal hijab inside her cabin, then Muslim women also should be given their rights.

Navaz
 - 
Monday, 25 Jun 2018

easy solution, let Muslim students accepts the principal madam dress code, in this matter, let it teacher will be role model for students, accept it 

maaz mahi
 - 
Monday, 25 Jun 2018

dear college management and student,
as soon as i saw people discussing and sharing the views regarding the ban of women scarf in the college auditorium, i too wants to share some views and ideas related to this. as far as college rules and regulation is concern ban of scarf is acceptable. but if we follow the rules and regulation  of my lord it is unacceptable.

student should first contact pricipal regarding whatever issues they. and it the liability of the management to solve the issue in favour of the student because whatever issue they are raising it is the issue to uplift the women rather degrading.  hoping the maangemnt to solve the issue in favour of student.

Peacelover
 - 
Monday, 25 Jun 2018

In Islam, men have an obligation to God and to women to observe hijab. I imagine a conversation between someone teaching the Quran and a guy as follows:

 

Teacher: Don’t stare at women.

 

Guy: But she’s wearing revealing clothing!

 

 

Teacher: Why are you staring? Stop.

 

Guy: But it’s revealing.

 

Teacher: Why-are-you-staring?

 

Guy: Uh…

It’s that simple.

 

If a guy chooses to accept Islam, Islam says he must observe hijab. The Prophet Muhammad’s directives further affirm this view. He admonished men, “Be chaste yourselves, and women will be chaste as well,” again putting the primary burden of hijab on men.

 

This point was again illustrated when the Prophet rode with his companion Al Fadl bin Abbas. A woman described as strikingly beautiful approached the Prophet to seek his guidance on some religious matters. Al Fadl began to stare at her because of her beauty.

 

Noting this, the Prophet Muhammad did not scold the woman for dressing immodestly or revealing her beauty. Instead, he “reached his hand backwards, catching Al Fadl’s chin, and turned his face to the other side so that he would not gaze at her”. Thus, the Prophet Muhammad once more established that the primary burden to observe hijab rests on men.

Aysha Tanisha
 - 
Monday, 25 Jun 2018

Ughhhhh. Individual choice yes. But college has certain rules. You don't want to follow the rules, you don't join that particular college. Also, Islam is a very beautiful religion. Let's not make it all about the Hijab.

ayes p.
 - 
Monday, 25 Jun 2018

All students (irrespective of religion) should obey collage or school rule.

missionary school management are allowing sisters to wear their dress similar to Principal dress but they are restricted to hijab.

Marthanda
 - 
Monday, 25 Jun 2018

There is no comparison between student and principle..

 

Good Boy
 - 
Monday, 25 Jun 2018

Rules are only followed by the students.

Fathima
 - 
Monday, 25 Jun 2018

Prici mam… whatever u are wearing is a perfect Hijab in Islam. Kindly allow Muslim girls also to wear the same in classroom. 

JC Lobo
 - 
Monday, 25 Jun 2018

Hahahahhah.. what a pic!!!! She can wear headscarf but Muslim students can’t wear!!! 

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News Network
November 29,2025

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New Delhi: Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah and deputy CM DK Shivakumar on Saturday put up a dramatic display of unity at a closely watched joint press briefing, firmly dismissing weeks of speculation about a power-sharing tussle within the Congress. With the high command nudging both leaders to sit together and settle the dust, the meeting became a political spectacle, ending with the duo declaring that there was “no confusion, no differences.”

Calling the reports of a rift “manufactured confusion,” Siddaramaiah said the talks had gone smoothly, even joking about their breakfast. “Breakfast was very good. All three of us enjoyed it,” he said. “We want to end this confusion once and for all. For local elections and for 2028, our mission is clear — Congress must return to power. There is no difference between me and DKS, not now, not before.”

He blamed the media for fuelling rumours and reiterated absolute adherence to the party leadership. “From tomorrow, let there be no confusion. What the high command says, we will follow.”

Siddaramaiah also assured that the Assembly session starting December 8 would run smoothly and vowed that Congress would take on the BJP and JD(S) “together.”

Shivakumar echoed the chief minister word for word, stressing loyalty and discipline. “People have given us a massive mandate. It is our duty to deliver,” he said. “This government was formed under Siddaramaiah’s leadership. We both have complete trust in the high command. If they tell me to wait, I will wait.”

He added that the two leaders had discussed strategy for the 2028 Assembly elections. “Whatever the CM says, I agree. We are loyal soldiers of the party. The party may be facing challenges nationally, but we will keep it strong in Karnataka.”

Shivakumar also said Siddaramaiah would soon visit his home for lunch or dinner — another symbolic gesture meant to underline their unity.

Both leaders later posted on social media describing the breakfast meeting as “productive” and focused on “Karnataka’s priorities.”

The BJP, however, rejected the show of camaraderie as “pure bunkum,” accusing Congress of trying to paper over an internal power struggle. But Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar insisted their united front would continue — and that there was “no confusion” within the state leadership.

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News Network
November 26,2025

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Bengaluru, Nov 26: Karnataka is taking its first concrete steps towards lifting a three-decade-old ban on student elections in colleges and universities. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced Wednesday that the state government will form a small committee to study the reintroduction of campus polls, a practice halted in 1989 following incidents of violence.

Speaking at a 'Constitution Day' event organised by the Karnataka Congress, Mr. Shivakumar underscored the move's aim: nurturing new political leadership from the grassroots.

"Recently, (Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha) Rahul Gandhi wrote a letter to me and Chief Minister (Siddaramaiah) asking us to think about restarting student elections," Shivakumar stated. "I'm announcing today that we'll form a small committee and seek a report on this."

Student elections were banned in Karnataka in 1989, largely due to concerns over violence and the infiltration of political party affiliates into campus life. The ban effectively extinguished vibrant student bodies and the pipeline of young leaders they often produced.

Mr. Shivakumar, who also serves as the Karnataka Congress president, said that former student leaders will be consulted to "study the pros and cons" of the re-introduction.

Acknowledging the history of the ban, he added, "There were many criminal activities taking place back then. We’ll see how we can conduct (student) elections by regulating such criminal activities."

The Deputy CM reminisced about his own journey, which began on campus. He recalled his political activism at Sri Jagadguru Renukacharya College leading to his first Assembly ticket in 1985 at the age of 23. "That's how student leadership was at the time. Such leadership has gone today. College elections have stopped," he lamented, adding that for many, college elections were "like a big movement" where leaders were forged.

The move, driven by the Congress high command's push to cultivate young talent, will face scrutiny from academics and university authorities who have, in the past, expressed concern that the return of polls could disrupt the peaceful academic environment and turn campuses into political battlegrounds.

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coastaldigest.com news network
December 2,2025

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Udupi, Dec 2: A wave of regional pride is sweeping through Udupi district as Shagun S Verma Hegde, a talented Class 9 student from Christ King English Medium High School, Karkala, has been named the captain of the Indian National Team for the Under-15 Girls’ Volleyball Championship.

Shagun holds the unique distinction of being the sole player from Karnataka selected to represent the country in the prestigious international tournament. The championship, organized by the School Games Federation, is scheduled to take place in Shangluo, China, from December 3 to 13, where Shagun will lead the national squad.

A Remarkable Journey to the Top

Shagun’s selection is a testament to her dedication and exceptional skill on the court. Her journey included several rigorous rounds of selection:

•    She was the only player from Udupi district to qualify for the state-level selection camp.

•    Out of eight players from Karnataka who advanced to the national selection camp in Pune, Maharashtra, Shagun was the only one to secure a place in the final national squad.

•    The national camp saw participation from approximately 200 players, which was shortlisted to 23. Shagun not only made the final cut but was also ranked as the second-best player overall, solidifying her leadership role.

Shagun, who is the daughter of Sandesh Verma and Shruthiraj of Kallotte, Karkala, has trained under experienced coaches Santosh D’Souza, Jeevan D’Silva, Jairaj Poojary, and Ramesh. Her selection as the team captain has brought profound honour to her family, school, the Udupi district, and the entire state of Karnataka.

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