MANGALURU: A student who quit her undergraduate studies at University College in Mangaluru’s Hampankatta when the hijab row broke out in 2022, has since completed her postgraduation in medical physics with a CGPA of over 8.Gousiya, 24, who took a one-year break after being unable to attend her sixth-semester BSc classes, is now interning at Zulekha Yenepoya Institute of Oncology, and aims to become a radiation safety officer. She enrolled in the medical physics postgraduate programme at Mangalore University’s Mangalagangothri campus in Konaje after resuming her studies, and is set to receive her degree at the March convocation.In 2022, a controversy erupted when Muslim students wearing hijabs were barred from attending classes in Udupi, leading to communal tensions and prompting Karnataka govt to ban all religious attires in educational institutions. The matter later went to the Supreme Court, which issued a split verdict.Recalling the episode, Gousiya said she had completed her BSc fifth semester, and took up the job of a schoolteacher for a year before returning to academics.”From the very beginning, my goal was to build a career in medical physics. However, I found myself at the centre of the hijab controversy and was blamed for leading others. 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 said.A resident of Kaikamba, Gousiya said six girls from her group quit college during their fifth semester. “Four of us, including me, later secured admission at Besant Women’s College. One student discontinued her studies as her subject combination was available only at University College, while another quit the BSc course to take up a professional course,” she further said. “Those who completed their undergraduate studies are now working, while some got married.”About the AuthorKevin MendonsaHe has over a decade of experience in writing, reporting, and editing for print media. He is working with The Times of India as a senior correspondent (senior digital content creator) from 2015. He covers education, crime, aviation, lifestyle and other subjects.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos”No Control Over Minority Violence In Bangladesh…”: Former Indian Envoy Slams Yunus Govt“Infamous For His Tour With Anti-National Propaganda”: BJP Rips Rahul Gandhi Over Vietnam VisitInqilab Moncho To March Nationwide Seeking Justice For Sharif Osman Hadi14 Naxals Neutralized In Sukma And Bijapur As Security Forces Launch Anti-Maoist OperationHimachal College Horror: Student Dies After Alleging Sexual Harassment, RaggingIndia Reveals First Vande Bharat Sleeper Offering Faster Overnight Travel On Kolkata-Guwahati LineHindu Businessman Khokon Das, Hacked And Set Ablaze By Mob in Bangladesh, Dies 3 Days After Attack‘Slavery Destroys Heritage’: PM Modi’s Big Message After Unveiling Sacred Buddha Piprahwa RelicsBCCI Asks KKR To Release Bangladesh Player From IPL After Outrage Over Attacks On Hindu MinoritiesGovt Sends Notice To Elon Musk’s X On Grok AI Chatbot Misuse, IT Ministry Seeks Action Report123PhotostoriesHow to make protein-rich Rajma and Soya Kebab for snackingTop 9 cabbage dishes from around the world5 health facts about the world’s number one longevity food5 most photographed natural monuments in the world to explore in 20265 best Indian forests to see wild Asian elephants in JanuaryKrystle D’Souza’s roles that defined her TV career: ‘Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai’ to ‘Belan Wali Bahu’:TV celebrities’ cutest baby name choices: From Bharti Singh-Harsh Limbachiyaa’s Gola to Nakuul Mehta-Jankee Parekh’s Sufi and Rumi8 short and engaging books you can read in a single day8 traditional and comforting Maharashtrian rice dishes that are worth a tryTravel trend 2026: 5 destinations in Asia perfect for slow travel and ‘quietcations’123Hot PicksOperation SindoorVande Bharat Sleeper TrainJanuary Bank holidayGold rate todayIncome Tax RefundBahrain Golden Visa 2025Bank Holidays DecemberTop TrendingSan Francisco 49ersBrittany MahomesNoah Lyles and Junelle Bromfield Net WorthWayne Gretzky Daughter Net WorthSidney Crosby LifestyleLeBron James vs Stephen Curry Net WorthTom BradyLeBron James WifeCam ThomasCharlie Kirk
MANGALURU: A student who quit her undergraduate studies at University College in Mangaluru’s Hampankatta when the hijab row broke out in 2022, has since completed her postgraduation in medical physics with a CGPA of over 8.Gousiya, 24, who took a one-year break after being unable to attend her sixth-semester BSc classes, is now interning at Zulekha Yenepoya Institute of Oncology, and aims to become a radiation safety officer. She enrolled in the medical physics postgraduate programme at Mangalore University’s Mangalagangothri campus in Konaje after resuming her studies, and is set to receive her degree at the March convocation.In 2022, a controversy erupted when Muslim students wearing hijabs were barred from attending classes in Udupi, leading to communal tensions and prompting Karnataka govt to ban all religious attires in educational institutions. The matter later went to the Supreme Court, which issued a split verdict.Recalling the episode, Gousiya said she had completed her BSc fifth semester, and took up the job of a schoolteacher for a year before returning to academics.“From the very beginning, my goal was to build a career in medical physics. However, I found myself at the centre of the hijab controversy and was blamed for leading others. 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 said.A resident of Kaikamba, Gousiya said six girls from her group quit college during their fifth semester. “Four of us, including me, later secured admission at Besant Women’s College. One student discontinued her studies as her subject combination was available only at University College, while another quit the BSc course to take up a professional course,” she further said. “Those who completed their undergraduate studies are now working, while some got married.“
