The Veils We Hide Behind
Back in 2002, two very significant incidents took place. APJ Abdul Kalam became the president of the largest democracy in the world, and I was born (ha). The country saw a president straight out of a religious minority, rejecting all the menial claims of divisions. Upon being heckled by his teacher for sitting with Rameswaram’s head priest, one would assume the worst in us as one society. However, the next day, the priest intervened to diffuse the situation and asked Kalam to reclaim a space that already belonged to him. An amalgamation of wrongdoings and resurrection of fraternity is precisely how India treated all the Kalams of the country. Being born in an era that saw one of the most unblemished reigns of a President, one could have easily imagined a country without divides. About to turn 20 as I am, it is sad how we have all become the impedances Kalam witnessed. Having taken a 360 deg turn to where we began, are the veils on our women’s heads a more significant obstacle than the ones blinding our leadership. The recent updates about the Karnataka Government’s uncalled for policy is naturally not under wraps anymore. Whether this policy is a means to instigate fear among those who are already underrepresented or a counter mechanism to uphold uniformity is for the court of the public to decide. The High Court has given the magnanimous task of chalking the plan ahead for students of Karnataka has already set a precedent. Even though the Hijab has no explicit mention in religious texts, of late, women have started donning it as a part of their identity and asserting their position as equals in society, irrespective of their religious preferences. Visuals of full-grown men who were intentionally dressed in saffron and storming classes to vye with a harmless sect of people have emerged.
Counter-secularism has become the modus operandi of governments left, right, and centre. What remains is a residue of flowery history lectures and definitions of inclusivity and belongingness. The recently inducted 1984-esque policy decisions of the government have started to pry on us and dictate who breathes where. The fundamental maxim of the Hijab in the modern world is a symbol of resistance against stereotyping of minority communities, especially majoritarian regimes. Our notions of equality take a backseat when vulnerable focus groups like women, religious minorities, and underrepresented factions demand what is rightfully theirs.
The Indian community has a plethora of hypocritical ideologies that lead them to believe in a parallel utopia. Their rights outside the country are treated similarly to the minority communities back home, yet, their loyalties remain firmly towards the alt-right government that exists today. The Karnataka government has taken a step to establish uniformity while allowing private universities to foster their environments as per their whims. The constitution gives leeway to the government to denounce any allegation of illegality involved. What remains to be seen is upholding the essence of the constitution. In 2022, as we approach an era of beaming entrepreneurs, staunch personalities, and never seen before motivation, does India deserve to be discussing who wears what? Do these demarcations hold any weight anymore except for those who do not have the substance to contribute to society? Changing Myntra’s logo because of assumed lewdly, inciting riots in educational institutions, and heckling journalists in the country’s crown are all examples of what the government has delved into.
Inclusivity ignites curiosity and provides a holistic view of life where people agree that there is no need to accept people who hold an equal stake in decision-making. The veils worn by women are hardly as big a concern as the veil behind which our public policy lies. Suggesting Muslim-only healthcare facilities under a facade of minority appeasement, alienating Sikhs and Christians in allowing religious worship during COVID, or the Karnataka government’s recent response to a problem which neer existed are only countless examples of the scarves we have tied around as noose.
Several women make strides in their respective fields and entail a bolder path for their heirs every year. However, a recurring phenomenon seen in polity far and wide is how men have taken it upon themselves to make decisions for them. The Hijab and its aversion do not come as a surprise to the most excruciating clothing accessory to be scrutinised. Irrespective of religion, a 1:1 partnership is far from the reach of Indian polity. The protests that are organised to denounce and deliberate upon what entities behaviour should ideally be like are all a frontage to a deeper, underlying issue. Unless we do not delve into these maxims and defibrillate the democracy we wished to achieve, little can be done to uncover the veil worn by our majestic leaders.
