Kerala Sahitya Akademi president and esteemed poet K. Satchidanandan has publicly shared his thoughts on the ongoing controversy surrounding the hijab at St. Rita’s Public School in Palluruthy, Kochi. In a recent Facebook post, Satchidanandan directly addressed those he termed ‘Christ-haters,’ stating, “Let them first look in the mirror — and then go to Rajasthan to see Hindu women who cover their faces.”
He further underscored a message of empathy and understanding, reminding his audience of Christ’s core teachings: “Jesus did not teach people to make others weep, but to wipe their tears.” This powerful statement comes amidst a heated debate that began when parents of a Class 9 student alleged that the Church-managed CBSE school prohibited their daughter from wearing a hijab (headscarf) during classes.
The incident has since ignited significant discussions across Kerala concerning religious freedom, the principles of secularism, and appropriate dress codes within educational institutions.