MELBOURNE, 20 February 2022: The contentious issue of ‘Hijab’ emanating from Karnataka, India had its repercussions here today. Hundreds of people of Indian origin including from the Muslim community held a protest rally named ‘Save Indian Democracy’ in front of the State Library. People from all walks of life and many women in Muslim attire were there to express solidarity with college girls in Karnataka who were denied entry in classes wearing the ‘Hijab’. The matter is before a Bench of the Karnataka High Court. The issue seems to have taken an argumentative turn, with many making all efforts to polarise it with the ongoing state elections.
The slogans of the rally here were – MY Faith, My Right, My Life, My Choice, and My Hijab. Many speakers and student girls addressed the gathering in solidarity. The program started off with the Indian national anthem ‘Jana Gana Mana…’ and the Australian anthem ‘Advance Australia…’. The Indian tricolor and the Aussie flags were waved in plenty. The speakers talked about freedom of religion being part of Article 25 of the Indian constitution which guarantees freedom of religion and has the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion. Tanvi Mor addressing the gathering said:
– If I am sitting next to you wearing a hijab as a matter of belief, LET ME BE.
– If I am sitting next to you wearing my turban as a symbol of pride, LET ME BE.
– If am sitting next to you in a saree, mangalsutra, and kumkum because I feel happy wearing it, LET ME BE.
– If I am out there in a skirt or ripped jeans doing well in my studies and other areas of life, LET ME BE.
– LET ME BE!!
The rally was addressed by representatives of many organizations including The Humanism Project among others. Bystanders at the busy area also joined the crowd and there was a ‘Try Free Hijab’ stall. Those attending were mainly from India but migrant families from other countries also joined the protest. They gave the message of faith freedom and the danger to the social fabric of India and other countries.
