Ever wondered how it feels to be among a group of 150 people, only to find yourself singled out along with just four others for scrutiny, leaving you feeling like an outsider in your own surroundings? Last year, during an exam, I encountered such a scenario that left me bewildered. The invigilator singled out five of us, all wearing hijabs, for random checks, while others with different attire went unnoticed. The incident was etched in my memory, prompting me to question why such discriminatory actions took place.
Since childhood, I have proudly called Delhi, India, my home. Growing up in a Muslim school, our daily assembly ritual included pledging, “India is my country, and all Indians are my brothers and sisters,” followed by the recitation of the National Anthem. My education emphasized the principles of India’s unity in diversity, constitutional values, and the solemn commitment to Justice, Equality, and Liberty as a Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic.
As a Humanities graduate with a focus on political science and philosophy, I delved deep into India’s history, independence, and the intricate fabric of our republic. For 23 years, I reveled in the harmonious blend of cultures, celebrating national days with unwavering enthusiasm. However, the past year has cast a shadow on the essence of these core values.
India, once committed to keeping religion out of politics and educational institutions, is witnessing a disconcerting shift towards religious politics permeating the minds of its citizens. This shift became starkly apparent through personal experiences that shattered my belief in a secular and inclusive society.
Another distressing incident occurred during a family visit to Rajghat. The auto-rickshaw driver, upon seeing our traditional attire, callously remarked that Connaught Place (CP) was not meant for people like us, insinuating that hijab-wearing individuals were unwelcome. Subsequently, at the entrance to Rajghat, we faced unwarranted scrutiny during security checks, a treatment not extended to others.
These incidents are not mere anecdotes; they represent a disturbing trend of discrimination based on religious attire. Some might dismiss these occurrences as insignificant or attribute them to casual oversight, but as a practicing Muslim woman, the impact is deeply felt.
It is disheartening that a piece of clothing, the hijab, can transform a routine visit to a public place into an ordeal marked by discrimination and prejudice. Society’s perception often differs based on the context – when a woman covers her head in a church or in the presence of elders, it is admired as a sign of culture and respect. Yet, when a Muslim woman wears a hijab, it is unfairly deemed as oppression, leading to unwarranted discussions and questions about her freedom.
The intersectional discrimination faced by Muslim women in India is particularly disconcerting. Wearing a hijab becomes a subject of ridicule, exclusion, and, in extreme cases, denial of entry to public places under the pretext of dress codes. The irony lies in the fact that a piece of clothing becomes the focal point, overshadowing more pressing issues like women’s safety and the lack of proper public facilities.
In a society that claims to uphold unity in diversity, it is disheartening to witness the erosion of these principles. My experiences highlight the urgent need for reflection and united action to uphold our nation’s core values of fairness, equality, and freedom, irrespective of one’s religious practices or clothing choices. How can we work together to bridge the gap between our professed ideals and the reality faced by so many?