Muslim Educational Society college bans purdah and leggings; ignites row

Post the hullabaloo over figure-hugging leggings and skin-tight jeans that flaunted those sexy curves, it looks like Kerala is in for yet another controversy. This time around, it is the purdah that is at the centre of the row.

With the Muslim Educational Society giving the go ahead to the management of its women’s college in Kozhikode to impose a ban on the veil and direct students at its women’s college in Kozhikode to come to the classes not wearing the purdah, what is in store is sure going to be interesting.

Before you head for Facebook to jot down your hurrays, let’s tell you it isn’t just the purdah that has been banned.  The college management has asked students not to attend classes in purdah or skin tight jeans and leggings too. Though many see the purdah ban as a progressive step, there are others who think girl students should be permitted to decide on what they would want to wear – be it purdah or leggings.

The decision of the MES has been sent out in writing to all the classes and made official. So, from July 8, whichever student who comes to college wearing a purdah or leggings or jeans would not be allowed to sit in classes and would be sent off.

The new dress code comes about following the college management’s decision to introduce uniforms for the students. Students will have to report to college wearing salwar, churidar bottoms and an overcoat. Fair enough, you tend to think?

Not really. The students aren’t so keen on adhering to the college decree and are planning to defy the ban. Screaming that nobody is entitled to slam dress code on them, they are planning to come to college on July 8 wearing all that have been banned – purdah, jeans and those oh-so-sexy leggings. While most of the parents have extended support to their kids who want to wear whatever is comfortable to them, there are many others who have lauded the college management’s decision to impose a uniform on their children.

The news has assumed significance after social activists and literary figures had lashed out against the system of purdah among Kerala’s womenfolk. It may be noted that MES chairman Fazal Gafoor had some time ago lambasted the practice of women being forced to wear the veil and the long flowing dress that fully c, saying that such an attire doesn’t go well with Kerala’s weather.

According to him, if the West Asian region insisted on such a dress, it is because they need to stay protected from the sun and frequent sand storms. It had nothing to do with the religion, he had said.

Anyways, when the college opens for first year degree course students on July 8, the MES Women’s College wouldn’t let students walk in wearing the purdah or leggings. If the two extremes baffle you, the college management just wants to bring in the uniform for its students.

But then, when a dress code and a ban are out in public domain, we are sure the social media will prove to be the bloodiest battle field. Stay tuned!

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