Pudducherry, December 23: A Muslim student of the Pondicherry University, who was to receive a gold medal, was asked to leave the convocation allegedly for wearing the hijab on Monday. Rabiha, who felt humiliated by the conduct of the varsity administration, later refused to accept the gold medal. The 27th annual convocation of the Pondicherry University, was attended by President Ram Nath Kovind. A video of Rabiha refusing the gold medal was widely shared on social media. Jamia Millia Student, Allegedly Thrashed by Delhi Police During Anti-CAA Protest, Might Lose Eyesight.

Speaking to a news channel, Rabiha said that as soon as President arrived at the convocation, she was asked to come outside the auditorium. She was reportedly asked to leave the auditorium for wearing the hijab. "I know why I was asked to come outside. They didn't use force but their conduct was insulting. As a protest, I refused to accept the gold medal," she said in a sobbing tone. Rabiha, a gold medalist in Mass Communication, only accepted the certificate.

Pondicherry University Student Rabiha Refuses Gold Medal In Protest:

Rabiha further said that her refusal was also in solidarity with students protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC). "This is my solidarity with all students, Hindu, Muslims and every Indian out there who have been fighting against the CAA, NRC and NPR," she said. The Pondicherry University's student council boycotted the annual convocation to protest "state repression" against students. Anti-CAA Agitation: After West Bengal And Kerala, Rajasthan Government Refuses Updation of NRC-Linked NPR.

"In the light of the ongoing protests against CAA (Citizenship (Amendment) Act) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) all over the country, the council refused to facilitate it and has decided to boycott the event," a joint release by the council's president Parichay Yadav and secretary V Kuralanban stated.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 23, 2019 08:11 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).