Karnataka Suspends Award for Principal Who ‘Restricted’ Hijab
The Karnataka education department has postponed the award for BG Ramakrishna, the principal at the center of the hijab controversy in 2021-22. Ramakrishna was criticized for reportedly making headscarf-wearing students stand outside in the sun for months. This decision follows significant online backlash and concerns.
Ramakrishna, who is the principal of Government Pre-University College in Kundapur, Udupi, stated: “The department mentioned that the award might be ‘delayed’ due to technical issues, but they have not provided specific details.”
The award, which was set to recognize the state’s best principals, was announced on Tuesday to Ramakrishna and A Rame Gowda, principal of Hunsur PU College in Mysuru district, in celebration of Teacher’s Day.
A senior official from the PU department in Udupi indicated that they were unaware of any controversy related to the award.
The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) has strongly objected to the principal of Kundapur’s appointment, connecting him to the controversy surrounding the hijab. Following the dispute, Ramakrishna reported getting hate mail from unidentified numbers.
The hijab debate began in a government PU college in Udupi in December 2021 and eventually expanded throughout the state. Feb. 20, 2022: The dispute heated up. At least 28 students at Kundapur PU College were denied entry to their classes due to their hijabs.
SDPI Dakshina Kannada president Anwar Sadath Bajathur voiced concerns on ‘X’, stating: “The principal who made Muslim students stand outside in the sun for months because they wore hijabs clearly lacks the moral integrity required for the role. Why has the Congress government chosen to nominate him for a state award?
