In an inspiring tale of academic resilience, a Mangaluru student who had to discontinue her undergraduate studies during the contentious hijab row of 2022 has now successfully completed her postgraduation with flying colours. Gousiya, 24, has earned a Master's degree in medical physics from Mangalore University, achieving a commendable CGPA of over 8.
A Journey Interrupted by Controversy
The young scholar was a student at University College in Hampankatta when the nationwide controversy erupted in early 2022. The issue began when Muslim students wearing hijabs were barred from entering classrooms in Udupi, leading to widespread communal tensions. The Karnataka government subsequently imposed a ban on all religious attire in educational institutions, a decision that later reached the Supreme Court and resulted in a split verdict.
Gousiya recalls that she had just completed her fifth semester of a BSc programme when the controversy engulfed her campus. "I found myself at the centre of the hijab controversy and was blamed for leading others," she said. The situation took a significant mental toll, forcing her and five other girls from her group to quit college during that tumultuous fifth semester.
Resilience and a Return to Academics
After stepping away from University College, Gousiya took a one-year break from formal education. During this period, she worked as a schoolteacher, a pragmatic decision that allowed her time to reflect and plan her next steps. Her academic ambition, however, remained undimmed. "From the very beginning, my goal was to build a career in medical physics," she stated.
Demonstrating remarkable determination, she resumed her studies by securing admission for her remaining undergraduate coursework at Besant Women's College. Four of the six girls who left University College took this route. Of the other two, one discontinued as her subject combination was exclusive to University College, and another left the BSc stream permanently to pursue a professional course.
Upon completing her BSc, Gousiya immediately enrolled in the postgraduate programme in medical physics at Mangalore University's Mangalagangothri campus in Konaje. Her focus never wavered, and her efforts culminated in an outstanding academic performance. She is set to receive her degree formally at the university's convocation in March.
Looking Ahead: A Future in Healthcare
Today, Gousiya has already begun the next chapter of her professional journey. She is currently interning at the Zulekha Yenepoya Institute of Oncology in Mangaluru. Her career goal is clear: to become a qualified radiation safety officer, a crucial role in medical settings that ensures the safe use of radiation in treatments like cancer therapy.
Reflecting on her challenging path, the resident of Kaikamba on B C Road believes the hardships ultimately strengthened her resolve. "The entire episode took a heavy mental toll on me, though it eventually made me stronger. Today, I have achieved far more academically than what I had once imagined," she shared.
Her story highlights the personal struggles behind a major socio-political issue. Gousiya noted that none of the girls who left college with her came from financially strong backgrounds. While some of her peers entered the workforce after their graduation and others got married, she persisted with her distinctive academic dream, turning a period of adversity into a launchpad for success.
