Patna: The controversy over a Muslim woman, Dr Nusrat Parveen, having her hijab touched by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has sparked widespread debate, but Dr Parveen herself is reportedly not angry with the chief minister.
The principal of the Government Tibbi College in Patna, Prof. (Dr) Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman, confirmed that Dr Parveen will join her job on December 20, putting to rest speculation that she might refuse the post. “Dr Nusrat Parveen spoke to her friend and said she is not angry with the Chief Minister. She will join the job tomorrow,” the principal said. He added that Dr Parveen felt the matter had been unnecessarily blown out of proportion.
The incident occurred on December 15 during a joining letter distribution ceremony, when Chief Minister Nitish Kumar slightly moved Dr Parveen’s hijab. The act triggered criticism and political commentary, with some arguing it was a breach of personal dignity.
Dr Parveen, a postgraduate student at the Government Tibbi College and Hospital in Patna’s Kadamkuan area, has been absent from college for four days following the incident. Teachers described her as a bright and disciplined student who has worn a hijab consistently throughout her seven years at the college, where she completed her undergraduate studies and is now in the final year of her postgraduate course.
“She has been a regular and exemplary student,” one teacher said. “She was happy to receive her joining letter, but the incident has caused her discomfort. While it does not appear intentional, it was still inappropriate.”
Prof. Rahman emphasised that the chief minister’s intentions were misunderstood. “The incident has been misinterpreted. The Chief Minister’s actions were not wrong; they were an expression of affection and respect. However, media coverage presented it differently,” he said, noting that women’s empowerment through education and employment has been promoted in the state, including the 33 percent reservation for women.
While staff and teachers defended Dr Parveen’s dignity and the chief minister’s intent, some students expressed strong disapproval. Dr Ishar Ahmed, a junior colleague, said, “A woman’s dignity is paramount. Interfering with her hijab is wrong, whether it is the Chief Minister or any other person. Nitish Kumar should apologise for this incident.”
Other students noted that Dr Parveen had been visibly uncomfortable and had not returned to college since the incident. “No one in any position should question someone’s privacy,” a final-year student said. “Wearing a hijab is part of our culture. The Chief Minister pulling it off created an unnecessary spectacle, and she has been unable to join her job because of this.”
The Government Tibbi College and Hospital is a leading centre for Unani medical education in Bihar, offering Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery (BUMS) and postgraduate courses. The attached hospital serves a large number of patients daily, providing affordable treatment and practical training for students like Dr Parveen.
