At a college in Muzzafarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, a video capturing female college students partaking in a fashion event, donning burqas, and walking down a runway has been circulating widely on various social media platforms. The event was organised by Shri Ram College.
During the November 26 event themed around 'Beti bachao, Beti padhao' (Save Daughters, Educate Daughters), reports indicated a focus on women's empowerment and gender equality across the three-day programme.
Noted personalities such as Bollywood actor Mandakini, TV actor Vindya Tiwari, and model Mehak Chahal graced the event with their presence. Notably, alongside college students, international models also took to the ramp for the catwalk.
Fashion Show In Burkha At Shri Ram College
As per the Navbhrat Times report, the designer responsible for the students' catwalk attire in burqas and hijabs mentioned being directed by the Head of Department to present something distinctive for the fashion show. Initially hesitant about strutting down the runway in a burqa, the designer gained confidence after receiving encouragement from a teacher named Manoj, prompting her to perform the catwalk confidently in the burqa.
Dr Manoj, a teacher at Muzaffarnagar's Shri Ram College, lent support to the students' endeavour, expressing that the hijab or burqa could serve as a confidence booster for Muslim women. He highlighted the increasing global opportunities in the fashion realm associated with these garments.
The emergence of this footage triggered a response from the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, an Islamic Deobandi organisation, which strongly criticised the nature of the event. Expressing their disapproval, they warned college authorities about the implications of promoting such practices. According to the Jamiat, the burqa is not a fashion accessory but rather a garment intended for body coverage, emphasising its significance in covering the body modestly.
Here's how netizens are reacting to the viral video.
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