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Mangalore : “Our College accords prime importance to education. We do not want any conflicts in the name of caste and community. For the last four decades we have not allowed any students to attend the college by wearing any clothes that symbolize their respective religions. But Ayisha, a Muslim student has clealy violated this norm by wearing a scarf while attending the college”,   SVS College spokesman Ganesh Prabhu said.

“ 10 years ago my son who was wearing a saffron shawl was allowed inside the college campus only after removing the shawl. Our dress code is simple. Mini skirt, jeans, transparent clothes or any other clothes that symbolize any particular religion are not allowed inside the college’’, the college Principal Seetharama Mayya explained. Besides, even the clothes required to be worn by those who undertake a pilgrimage to Shabarimale is not allowed in this college.

“For sometime now Ayisha has been trying to rake up a controversy by going against the dress code of the Institution. We have conveyed this through some Muslim lecturers who had tried to counsel her in this matter. But she did not show any improvement in her attitude. We have also warned her several times”, the principal explained.

Are the nude students allowed?

“ If Ayisha can wear a scarf why can’t we wear saffron shawls while attending the classes?” ask some students, raking up yet another issue.

“Our religion believes in nudity. Will you allow us into the college if we come here naked?”, one of the students has been reported to have put this question to SVS spokesman Ganesh Prabhu.

What does the VC say?

“The university cannot question the rules framed by the college. Nevertheless, the University can question the rigid norms that have sprung up suddenly”, Mangalore University VC Prof K M Kaveriyappa clarified.

“At the same time , if the rules of SVS college is irksome to Ayisha, she can seek admission in other colleges. All help will be provided to her to opt for one of the two colleges chosen by her” the VC assured her. It is learnt that Ayisha is no longer interested to continue in SVS college.

‘Scarf does not symbolize religion’

“I have not violated the rules of the college. I have fully understood the rules of the college. The scarf which is worn over the head does not represent any religion. Initially the college management convinced me that wearing a veil is banned in the college. After this I began to wear scarf. But some of the students are objecting to this”, B.Com student Ayisha said. Further she added : “the student leader of the college Bharath has been objecting to my wearing the scarf   ever since the day I started wearing the scarf and provoking other students against me. He has warned that the  students will begin to wear saffron shawls”.  When she refused to heed to their warnings the student leader was reported to have complained to the Principal who in turn ordered Ayisha not to attend the classes wearing the scarf.

Related news:

1. Uniform controversy in Uppinangady college
2. Scarf row : Ayisha quits SVS College
3. A Mangalore based college denies admission to SC student V.C. cautions against illegal practices by the college
4. Muslim student attacked with machete in Pandeshwar
5. Muslim student denied admission into the class by the college Wearing a scarf found offensive by the college