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In a country where a top profile leader, holding a Constitutional post meant to represent the whole population, can scandalously announce that "criminals can be identified by their dress" , thereby demonizing a large section of Indians who are as indigenous to India as the die-hard saffronites; there lies hardly any surprise that hijab-clad girls are currently being forced to stay out of their classes in various colleges of Karnataka! Indeed what a "crime" these girls have committed by wearing dresses of their own choice or culture in their own country!
In contrast, New Zealand Prime minister Jacinda Ardern ensures promotion of a dress associated with people who are basically settlers in New Zealand! When sporting of hijab is being prohibited discouraged or frowned upon by India and many non-Islamic countries around the world, New Zealand has proved itself as a bright exception in this regard and through the decision of inducting the hijab as part of its police uniform, it has shown to the world what the essence of democracy is all about.
Far from trying to kill diversity so as to establish a homogeneous way of life in the society which is actually nothing but crude desire of ensuring cultural dominance of majority or "mainstream" be it through language race or religion; an ideal democracy strives to literally accord equal status to each and every linguistic religious cultural groups residing within the country respecting their ethos sentiments sensitivities attire to dietary habits.
India, under the ever increasing grasp of forces practicing the parochial imperialist philosophy in a democratic country by making a mockery of diversities, and all other believers of majoritarian mindset around the world should learn from New Zealand and Jacinda Ardern what respect towards diversity and sentiment of minorities are all about.
Not to forget that when innocent Muslims were massacred in a Christchurch mosque in early 2019; Ardern not only sported a hijab, despite being a Christian, to show solidarity with the community; she also termed the Muslims as "THEY ARE US"!
What an exemplary act of respecting diversity and religious sentiments of the minorities! And taking cue from her, Christian women, all over New Zealand, had put on head scarves and niqab during a Friday prayer in honor of the shooting victims!
This is called humanity compassion and solidarity with fellow citizens along with respect towards diversity and cultural religious rights of all.
With Jacinda Ardern and New Zealand shining bright, India should learn to choose its leaders and role models instead of remaining in awe of closed-minded orthodox nations. All sensible rational Indians, irrespective of religious belief, should vehemently protest against the discrimination meted to the Muslim girls of Karnataka in the name of harmless hijab.
(The views expressed are personal)
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