AhlulBayt News Agency: Farheen, a resident of Beck Bagan, was humiliated and delayed at the MP Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya exam centre in Garden Reach because she wore a hijab.
Despite following all official guidelines, including informing authorities on her religious attire and arriving two hours early as instructed, Farheen was asked to remove her hijab. This caused her to miss a significant portion of the medical entrance test.
Before even entering the centre, Farheen was harassed by a group of boys shouting “Jai Shri Ram,” leaving her shaken. Inside, officials refused to acknowledge the rules that permit religious head coverings. They claimed policies change every year and pressured her to remove the hijab entirely. When she asked for written clarification, an official rudely told her to leave.
Farheen eventually agreed to adjust her hijab to show her ears, but by then, much of the exam time had been lost. She managed to finish only half of the paper. Another hijab-wearing candidate faced similar treatment.
Farheen has filed formal complaints with the National Testing Agency (NTA), demanding accountability for what she calls clear discrimination. She described the experience as humiliating and said staff continued to treat her with suspicion even during the exam.
Her story has sparked public outrage and renewed concern over the increasing intolerance Muslims face in India, particularly in official and educational settings. Legal experts and community leaders have condemned the incident, calling it a violation of religious freedom and fundamental rights.
Human rights lawyer Amina Siddiqui emphasized that such actions damage not only individuals but also the country's secular ideals. Community leader Yusuf Ali echoed this sentiment, saying, “No student should suffer because of their faith.”
The NTA has not yet responded to Farheen’s complaint.
Your Comment