In a recent turn of events, the Karnataka government put on hold the Best Teacher Award that was scheduled to be conferred upon BG Ramakrishna, the principal of a government Pre-University College in Udupi. The decision follows a backlash regarding his involvement in the highly controversial hijab row from 2021-22. State Primary and Secondary Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa addressed the issue, stating that the decision to withhold the award is being re-evaluated. He underscored that the primary concern is Ramakrishna’s treatment of students during the incident, urging the public to avoid politicizing the matter.
Ramakrishna, who is the principal of the Government Pre-University College in Kundapur, Udupi, made headlines during the hijab controversy that stirred the state of Karnataka two years ago. During the dispute, he was accused of instructing female students who wore the hijab to stand outside the classroom in the sun for extended periods. This move was part of a larger conflict in Karnataka over the wearing of religious attire in educational institutions, which sparked widespread protests and debates over the rights of Muslim students to wear the hijab.
The hijab row escalated into a significant state-wide controversy that divided public opinion and drew international attention. The principal’s actions during that period drew sharp criticism online, with activists and leaders from the Muslim community accusing him of discriminatory behavior towards the affected students. Despite this, the state government initially selected him for the Best Teacher Award, a prestigious recognition typically awarded on Teachers’ Day to honor educators for their contributions.
Minister Madhu Bangarappa, while addressing the controversy surrounding the award, acknowledged that the committee responsible for selecting the awardees may have overlooked the principal’s role in the hijab incident. He stated, “This particular issue, I think, was overlooked by the committee. When we found out yesterday that there was an issue, we decided to put the award on hold for the time being. We will clarify the matter and then move forward with a decision. I have instructed the committee to review the situation and report back to us. The way the children were treated is at the heart of the issue.”
The minister was keen to emphasize that the focus should remain on the well-being and fair treatment of students, rather than allowing the incident to become a political flashpoint. “Don’t politicize the issue,” Bangarappa urged, hoping to steer the conversation away from political motives and back to the core matter of student welfare.
Ramakrishna was scheduled to receive the award on Teachers’ Day, a day set aside to honor educators across the country. However, the government’s announcement of his name was met with significant backlash, particularly from sections of the Muslim community, who remain angered by his conduct during the hijab controversy. The community leaders and activists voiced their displeasure, questioning the appropriateness of awarding someone who was allegedly involved in discriminatory practices.
In response to the backlash, the government made the decision to hold off on presenting the award, pending further review. Sources within the administration confirmed that, “The government had earlier announced his name, but now it has been withdrawn following the concerns raised by various quarters.”
The hijab controversy remains a sensitive issue in Karnataka, as it sparked widespread debate about religious freedom, educational policy, and the treatment of minority communities within the state’s schools and colleges. The decision to suspend the award reflects the government’s caution in dealing with such a polarizing issue, as they work to balance public opinion and the need for accountability in the treatment of students.
While Ramakrishna’s contributions as an educator are being considered, the government has made it clear that any recognition of his work must also take into account his actions during the hijab row. For now, the Best Teacher Award for Ramakrishna has been paused, and the state awaits the outcome of the review process, which will determine whether or not he will ultimately be honored.
The controversy has also reignited broader conversations about the role of educators in upholding students’ rights and fostering an inclusive environment, free from discrimination, regardless of religious or cultural backgrounds. The Karnataka government’s handling of this case will likely be closely watched as it navigates the challenging terrain of public sentiment and educational justice.
