By Ruba Ratnasingam –
A new dress code for students has been promulgated by the Faculty of Arts at the University of Jaffna. It seems to assert Hindu cultural norms on the rest of the student community.
This code comes at a time when an important debate rages in Colombo Telegraph on whether there is racism and casteism among Tamils especially at the University of Jaffna. The interest in the subject is so intense that there have been nearly 300 comments.
With the University of Jaffna placed under a microscope by that article, one would think that university authorities would be cautious. Instead, they seem to tell the world that they would do as they please, regardless of the university’s role as a multicultural institution.
The office of Dean/Arts at University of Jaffna has issued this controversial dress code for staff related to academic work and for students. It seems to settle the Colombo Telegraph debate by showing the university to be very Hindu to the exclusion of others. Dated 17.02.2016 from the Faculty of Arts, the dress code is claimed to flow from a Directive of the Council of the university and the subsequent meeting of Department Heads at 11:00 AM on 16.02.2016.
The new directive says that
- Staff related to academic work and students must avoid wearing denim clothing and T-shirts to lectures.
- Next Friday and every Friday thereafter women must wear sari to Lectures and men must not appear at lectures with a beard.
Given that there are over 600 Muslim students in the arts faculty alone, their organization the Majlees, has protested against the prohibition of their religiously mandated beard and burqa. Others with their own religious loyalties ask why Friday? Women who consider the sari indecent for showing body shape and exposing the midriff (especially lecturers who need to raise their arm to write on the board) and prefer the very decent blouse and long skirt, feel scandalized by this imposition.
We recall that Dean N. Gnanakumaran who signed the dress code memo, presented an unsolicited letter from his brother, former Colombo Law Dean Selvakumaran, at the Jaffna Council. He and his brother argued against the suspension of Music Senior Lecturer Dr.S.R. Dharsanan pending inquiry into widespread charges of sexual harassment from students. However, after reading that memo at the Council where others objected, Gnanakumaran withdrew it at the next meeting because it proved so embarrassing to the two siblings. Yet the fact remains that when the Council moved to protect female students from alleged sexual harassment by a lascivious academic, Dean Gnanakumaran tried to have that suspension lifted
We wonder why this man who showed no concern for the safety of female students suddenly wants to force them into a sari and thereby purify them. Indeed he seemed to care little for female dignity and freedom from abuse.
With the hartal culture returning to Jaffna, is the university trying to create race riots? A TamilCNN news report dated 25 Feb. 2016 suggests that anti-Muslim sentiments are being stirred up: “The Jaffna University Community held a peaceful rally on Tuesday condemning the UN deferral on the investigation report and insisting on immediate release of this report. Sinhala students studying at this university participated in this protest rally, but no Muslim students participated in this protest.” Previously, according to another news report, “The prayer room used by Muslims for worship at the University of Jaffna in Thirunelvely was vandalised during night by unknown persons who poured waste engine oil and defiled the premises.”
Will Minister Lakshman Kiriella who is “responsible for the general direction of university education” please take note. National policy after the new government took office is for a united Sri Lanka where Hindus, Muslims, Christians and Buddhists at University of Jaffna are equal and entitled to live by their faith and culture – not by the dictates of a majoritarian, hegemonic dispensation.
A Sinhalese academic with Cambridge and MIT backgrounds on his batch (67/68 Peradenya Engineering) reunion trip to Jaffna had tried to visit the campus on the 24th in shorts and was turned back by the security guards. Thus the code was implemented well beyond the Arts Faculty for a week at least. Yet when the VC was interviewed on radio this morning, 26th, about the discrimination, she said it was the fault of Prof. Gnanakumaran and the Council had taken no decision as claimed by the Dean. She said minorities were free to wear their religious clothing and beards. She did not make clear that sari and no beards would continue to apply to non-Muslims.
Time was when students imposed authoritarian dress codes on freshers as ragging. What right do administrations have to impose this fundamentalism? At our universities students learn to think and be free. Let them be truly free.
thondamanny / February 26, 2016
We were all afraid as long as Velu was alive and his pistol gangs patrolled. We hardly opened our mouths and minds.
Now that he is gone, our tongues have begun to wag loosely and our minds wondering on aimless things and suddenly we have assumed an elitist status.
Now Tamils should only marry tamils & the catholic Church promoting Hindus in order to cultivate a larger force.
Our peace for this small population in the north is going to be shattered once again.
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Native Vedda / February 26, 2016
thondamanny
I wonder what will happen all those eminent persons who sport beard, if they chose to continue their education at Jaffna uni?
Beard is supposed to be an intellectual symbol to impress fellow human beings.
Manmohan Singh, Fidel Castro, Modi, Che, Dayan, C Vigneshwaran,Nishthar Idroos, … would be bared from the Uni.
Poor Sddhars, Yogis, Seers, Rishis, Jesus, Guru Nanak, God Shiva, ,,,, have no chance of educating themselves at Jaffna uni.
The worrying aspect of this ban is that Gnanasara may be allowed in to contunue his further education(?) but not my people.
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Inspector Dirty Hari / February 26, 2016
Native Vedda,
“I wonder what will happen all those eminent persons who sport beard, if they chose to continue their education at Jaffna uni?”
Good point.
What happens to the lecturers, other staff and politicians who have a beard? Would foreign female visitors be required to wear a sari? Can the CM still enter?
I have heard that a female Sinhalese student was beaten by a Tamil male student because she had jeans. Hope that this is fiction.
Haven’t we seen this before when the Cultural Wing gave advice on how to dress and behave?
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Native Vedda / February 26, 2016
Inspector Dirty Hari
“Would foreign female visitors be required to wear a sari?
I believe the old perverts love to watch low hip sari wearing females.
“I have heard that a female Sinhalese student was beaten by a Tamil male student because she had jeans”
Ragging is a traditional menace.
I haven’t heard anything about the incident. I will keep you informed.
/
Culture Police / February 26, 2016
Oxford and Cambridge also having dress code, no?
/
Native Vedda / February 26, 2016
Culture Police
“Oxford and Cambridge also having dress code, no?”
Yeah, yeah yeah, Oxford and Cambridge produced 155 Nobel Laureates in total, 64 and 91 respectively.
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Culture Police / February 26, 2016
NV, you got it, well done! Precisely why the dress code is being introduced. Come back in a few hundred years and we would have overtaken Oxford and Cambridge.
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Lasith / February 27, 2016
It’s not by the dress code that one attains academic excellence.
If that were the case, Saudi should have the most advanced universities in the world.
Please use your brain before you make statements.
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Culture Police / February 27, 2016
Excellent point, Lasith. I now agree dress cannot be the reason for academic excellence in Oxford and Cambridge because, as you rightly say, Saudis would have outperformed them.
So, is the secret of academic excellence the wine they drink at Friday dinners, then? Because, as you might know, Saudis don’t drink.
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VK / February 26, 2016
A Sinhalese academic with Cambridge and MIT backgrounds on his batch (67/68 Peradenya Engineering) reunion trip to Jaffna had tried to visit the campus on the 24th in shorts and was turned back by the security guards.
Would he have attended his convocation at MIT/Cambridge in shorts and t-shirts??? That would have been real freedom and real respect for right of expression.
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Panang Koddai / February 26, 2016
Dear VK,
A convocation is a special event. Not an everyday thing. On random days I myself have been into Oxford, MIT and Berkeley universities in shorts. Why not Jaffna? I certainly won’t attend convocation in shorts. So here is how the world works: there are some special events for which it makes sense to expect we dress up and look like penguins. On a day to day basis people should be free to dress to their convenience. It is not something for administration to impose — certainly not in the name of culture, because if you dig into what exactly our historic “cultural dress” that we can call “our own” is, you may be surprised to find it is not vEddi for men and Saree for women!
/
Native Vedda / February 26, 2016
Panang Koddai
Some students chose to wear their respective national costumes for convocation, not our coconuts.
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Agnos / February 27, 2016
“A Sinhalese academic with Cambridge and MIT backgrounds on his batch (67/68 Peradenya (sic) Engineering)….”
Based on background, that is probably Clarence de Silva of UBC?
Anyway, this dress code stuff is another nonsense from Jaffna. During the hot summer, many in the West are used to wearing shorts, and that includes academics on university campuses. I agree with Panang Koddai below.
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Plato. / February 26, 2016
Jaffna University,I thought was like a Convent with conservative values.
Ah Ha it is now a Nudist Colony eh?
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Nuwan / February 26, 2016
Nothing wrong here. The Universities which have moved forward very little from the 18th century and have not made any contribution to the social and academic progress may as well demonstrate its backward culture through Memos like this. At least Jaffna University is honest. Try entering University of Peradeniya in shorts on a holiday. You will be mobbed by groups of students in denims and T-shirts of course.
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Saro / February 26, 2016
Standard of teaching and research are comparatively lower generally in Sri Lankan universities. Instead of raising the standard this Dean wants to divert attention on petty things like dresses the students wear in a university that is supposed to be the place students learn to think freely and explore the depth of knowledge.
He must grow up and let the institution flourish with multiculturalism rather than lower it to the status of schools. He tries first to discriminates Arts students rom all the other students of different disciplines and second among different ethnic and religious communities.
Guidance of dresses for special occupation like convocation or cultural performance is welcome as in other institutions but impose it on students when attending lectures is out of date and out of right for any academic head. The minister of education must intervene to induce a sense of wiser wisdom into the heads of heads of this type. Otherwise precise time of learning and thinking may be used in unnecessary protests and enmity between lecturers and students on one hand and among different communities on the other. This will also create animosity between sexes of the same community.
We do hope a sense of wiser council prevails and the Dean withdraws dis directives at once.
/
From Jaffna / February 26, 2016
The circular was withdrawn on the 26th by another after the VC backed off in the radio interview.
/
SJ / February 28, 2016
From Jaffna
The VC’s job is to run the University properly. If it was her intervention, that was wise and timely action.
Being selective about talking to the media is a good policy especially in the view of sensationalism that prevails.
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Sellam / February 27, 2016
It is already below student’s standard in Universities Particularly in Jaffna. As I mentioned many passed out graduates cannot write few sentences in Tamil or English without mistakes. It is a disgrace to call themselves graduates. Human behaviour as matured students is vital for their carrier which includes well dressed human being. Initially it has to begin from home.
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Ajith / February 26, 2016
There is nothing wrong in introducing dress code in the university as long as that is not affecting the fundamental rights of the staff and students. I am sure something would have gone wrong in this matter but it is also dangerous to use this as an opportunity to create division among people by opporunistic parties who is waiting to exploite the situation to their political agenda. It is foolish to assume that there is racial motive. Saree is worn by all Srilankan women irrespective of any relegion.Saree is considered as a national dress.
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Saro / February 26, 2016
“Saree is worn by all Srilankan women irrespective of any relegion.Saree is considered as a national dress”.
There is no question of whether Sri Lankan women wear saree or not even if it’s a national dress, but why should this MAN impose it on WOMEN? THe dean is an administer of his faculty and not custodian of cultural traditions. Are women in the nation’s highest institution not capable of knowing what they should or should not wear? Let men wear what they think sensible. Men wear western dress and insist that women wear ‘national’ dress to preserve the culture. Universities are not schools for heads to impose a uniform or a type of dress except for functions.
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Dr.Rajasingham Narendran / February 26, 2016
Saro,
Well said? A university is a place where education ( from Latin ‘ e
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Dr.Rajasingham Narendran / February 26, 2016
Saro,
Well said! A university is where education fully blooms. Educere the Latin root from the word Education is derived, means ‘ Stand up and look around’ . A university should give the envronment for their students too to think, question and make their decision. it is not rote leaning bent over a desk. We can produce thinking men and women from our universities, only if we give them the space to do so. They should learn to make their own decisions.The faculty should inspire them to think and inspire them with their own thoughts and wisdom.
A university should be a haven of freedom, within the contours of the laws that govern us. Let the students grow and mature to break the ceilings and walls that confine us within a culture of narrow mindedness, bigotry and hypocrisy! Culture should be defined more by our thoughts and behavior than by what we wear.
I do not understand why a university should dictate how the students should dress. It is the students who should decide how they should, without making others uncomfortable.
The Jaffna university has become a haven of mediocrity. Cultural policing is a sign of this mediocrity. As are the faculty so become the students!
Dr.Rajasingham Narendran
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RaneeN / February 26, 2016
Dr. Narendran:
I do not trust you after you were caught adding to Manu.
I checked out what you claim about the word education. I googled “etymology education.” Here is what I got: “To lead out.” Not what you say.
Our kallach chaamies (what somebody else called you) are focused on nice spins, spun stories, not accurate discussion.
It is sad that someone with a Ph.D in his old age has descended to fooling all of us. Please focus on accuracy and not on writing something lazily that sounds nice without any serious thinking.
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Mean Marlene / February 26, 2016
RaneeN
RN uses his full name and writes under that. Many others don’t.There are different contradictory translations from Latin and Sanskrit to modern English. Let him be.
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Manupiriyatharshan / February 27, 2016
Cover up! Narendran promoted a doctored document and tried to pass it off as a translation of the words of our Law Giver!
He is challenging Our Lord Manu altering his words by and will be cursed with those who defend the desecration of the Law.
For is it not written as follows?
“Until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or one stroke of a letter will pass from the law”
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Dr.Rajasingham Narendran / February 27, 2016
Doctored document? Can you prove your contention? Why don’t you accept that there are many facets to this issue?
Dr.RN
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Native Vedda / February 26, 2016
RaneeN
I too checked education on google and this what I found:
The process of receiving or giving systematic instruction, especially at a school or university.
or
An enlightening experience.
I am sorry your education has not enlightened me.
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RaneeN / February 26, 2016
He referred to etymology not to the meaning. So did I.
Mean Marlene, this not about translations.
Let’s please stop obfuscating on his behalf.
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Mean Marlene / February 27, 2016
You stop attacking him with you fake name! You are stalking him. Manu was all about which translation to use (not that I care the least) and you are continuing your petty vendetta with him here. Prabhakaran was the best for you chronic infighting guys. Stupid Tamil woman!
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SJ / February 28, 2016
RaneeN
What Dr RN produced was a sanitized version of Manu. I checked on the text after I read a comment on that in another context.
The doctoring was done already by a Hindutva policeman and translated.
But people are selective about their sources.
We only read the newspaper that tells us — true or false– what we like to hear.
What was cited by a writer in the series of comments on an article by Hoole as what she was taught in Univesity is perhaps more authentic.
Those Hindus who want Islam to modernize cannot come to terms with what Brahminic religions have been and still are in practice.
You could avoid abusive phrase, as such usage encourages more such.
It is interesting that “Mean Marlene” objects to “fake names”. A real name I guess?
The reason why many avoid using their own names is that they face unfair personal abuse.
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Dr.Rajasingham Narendran / February 28, 2016
SJ,
Sanitized version? Where is the proof?
I copy below my response to a similar opinion, in the Dr. Ratnajeevan Hoole thread:
” sekara,
Since I do not know you, I have to ask whether you know enough Sanskrit to authenticate Buler’s translation? What reasons do you have to accuse someone who knows Sanskrit of Sanitizing the text. Don’t you think that someone who knows Sanskrit , is Hindu, a Indian and a trained scholar, understands the text and the nuances better? It is not right to condemn something on the lines you have. Yes, critical evaluation is necessary, but it should be on the basis of deeper knowledge or with reference to someone with the same or better attributes and qualifications.
I can cite an example from Tamil literature. Auvaiyar’s ‘ Aram Seyya Virumbu’ when taught in our schools, is explained as ‘ Should like to perform charitable deeds’ . This was so also, when I learned ‘ Aathisoodi. However, I learned later in life that the word ‘Aram’ meant ‘Theemai Illaatha Seyal’, meaning acts that will not harm others. The words ‘ Theemai Illaatha Seyal’ is further defined in Thirukkural in more specific terms.”
Dr.RN
/
SJ / February 28, 2016
RN I don’t know you either, so we are evens stevens.
Your comment: “Don’t you think that someone who knows Sanskrit, is Hindu, a Indian and a trained scholar, understand the text and the nuances better?”
My response: “I don’t. The above is an unscientific criterion. Much depends on the objectivity of the author and the kind of research training he/she has had.”
It took Bishop and Cauldwell to establish that Tamil was of a different language group from Sanskrit. No Tamil scholar said it until then. I condemn nothing unless it is evil practice or thought.
My critique is based on historical context. My point is: Manu was relevant to Varna society, and it defined the place of each according to Varna and gender. That code of social practice became less relevant with time, but was upheld in socially unacceptable ways for long, after Brahminism took control.
Tamils were fortunate to have had 2-3 centuries of strong Jain and Buddhist influence before Brahiminic religions took over. They ended up with several good books of ethics that influenced the post-Sangam Avvayaar.
Later works like Ulaga Neethi, despite strong ethical values, also upheld strong caste based values (தாழ்வான குலத்துடனே சேரவேண்டாம்; தாழ்ந்தவரைப் பொல்லாங்கு சொல்ல வேண்டாம்); the later Avvaiyaar (குலத்தளவே ஆகுமாங் குணம்) etc.
Can we defend their teaching at school? They were taught and I memorized these verses. That besides.
The point I stress is that the original commentator on Manu referred to a university text which thus had some authenticity.
To counter it with a sanitized version of Manu as the correct text lacks something good. I have read several comments on Manu on the place of women, members of different Varnas and the sacredness of Brahmins.
People like C Rajagopalachari and his followers believed strongly in Varnasrama and advocated caste-based education. (Nehru will not have it.)
What CR wanted was a sanitized version of the fundamentally flawed Varnasrama. I am equally well aware of cruder efforts to sanitize offensive aspects of Manu, by trying to say this is what was meant etc. That mission is in full swing now because the current Hindutva agenda needs to rally sections of the Dalits and Adivasis to keep down Muslims and Christians. That is shameful.
Manu has been cited as law in Brahmin-Kshtiya society. Slokas prescribe who can learn the Vedas and who cannot and the harsh penalties for offenders. There are also severely Varna-based differences in penalties for crime.
That apart, Tamils had two sets of ethical codes, one derived from Jain and, later, Buddhist traditions which influenced the Avvaiyaar and others of post-Sangam period. The second was based on Braminic values which dominated since the Pallava Period and got well entrenched by the time of the Cola empire. Gradually the Tamil society leaned towards the latter and used only texts that suited Brahminist values. (You may have heard of the suppression of the Thevarams in the early Cola period.)
I have read book on Hinduism by Arumuga Navalar and others. I think that the Tamil middle class should stop pretending to be something that it is really not. That is the basis of my comments. I appreciate what is great in Tamil. I respect several aspects of Hindu thought, especially philosophy. I reject the false way God is defined by any religion. But that is not disrespect for any. I do not attribute motives to others and do not call people names. Anyone can call me anything. That tells more of that person than of me.
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Dr.Rajasingham Narendran / February 29, 2016
SJ,
Thanks for the long reply. I will take take two words from what you have referred from Auvaiyar-Saathi and Kulam to illustrate my point.
Auvaiyar uses these terms in two different meanings and contexts. She says there are two Saathis- male and female and two other Sathees- Ittaar ( those who give) and Iddaathor ( those who do not give). She then goes onto say Ittaar are Periyore (great people)and Iddaathor are Illi Kulathore ( lowest of the low people). She then says that this is ‘Pattaangil Ulla Padi (as laid down in our traditions/ ancient books}.
When she says “Thaalvana Kulam” it means the same as ” Illikulam” and does not refer to castes. She also says, ” Thaalthorai Pollaangu Solla verndaam”- a great sentiment meaning ‘ Do not blame the ‘lowest of the low’ who do not give, while admonishing not to associate with these low people.
In Vedantic philosophy, manifestations of human nature/behavior are classified into two categories- Swabhava ( inborn nature) and Swadharma (Acquired values). Swabhava reflects genetically manifestations in a persons nature. Swadharma reflects, upbringing, environment in which a person is reared, learning and the values acquired as a result.
Science teaches us today that there are genetic and environmental interactions that will affect performance and productive traits. A person born with a violent disposition can be one subdued by how he is reared, the persons he interacts with and what he is taught.
As I had in a recent comment elsewhere written the Varna system as described in the Veda’s originally is not the frozen caste system that prevails now. It refers to our inborn abilities and capabilities. The Varna system classifies people as Brahmanas ( those of an intellectual , spiritual and philosophical nature) , Kshatriyas ( those who are brave and have qualities of leadership), Vaisyas ( with a disposition to trade) and Sudras (those who are able only to serve others}. These Varnas can be found within all castes, even today. The caste system is a distortion of the Varna system. The caste system has classified groups of people by the trade/ vocation they practiced and passed from generation to generation. It was functional system of specialization that evolved with time and has no relevance now.
I am supposed to be a Vellahlah and have to do Vellanmai (Farming) by this classification. However, for six generations now, we have not been farming. My grandson (7th generation) too would not very likely be farming. What right have we to proclaim ourselves as Vellahlas? Recently when someone asked me what caste I was, I replied that I was a ‘ Err pidikaatha Vellalan ( A Vellahlah who has not ploughed, with a sneer). Caste classifications have to be cast out. Sooner the better.
Concluding, the point I want to make is that many concepts in a our culture are interlinked and cannot be viewed or interpreted in isolation. Further, we are very old people and carry the burden of an evolving culture- way of life- that met the needs and stupidity of times past. Further, isolating people into castes without the chance of interbreeding or cross breeding,has resulted in certain traits and habits being highlighted/ ingrained within groups and the negative consequences of inbreeding, of which meanness is one.
If we as Tamils misunderstand words in a living language, imagine the situation of a White Man who is dealing with a dead language-Sanskrit and a culture, history and context of occurrences in times long past!
Dr.RN
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Dr,Rajasingham Narendran / February 27, 2016
RaneeN,
You are right.I apologize. Yes, it means to bring out or lead out. Is the purpose of education not to draw out the potential within each individual? Can this be done without creating the environment for the individual to see, think, draw conclusions and act. This is what I implied by the words ‘stand up and think’. Although I was aware of the meaning of the Latin word ‘educere’ , I had connected it to the conclusion I wanted to draw in my comment. A mistake no doubt!
I provide a link to what I presented at a seminar at the Luxshman Kadirgamar Institute on the role of education to let you understand my views : http://dbsjeyraj.com/dbsj/archives/4665
This, if you bother to read, will show how the tail inadvertently became the head in my comment.
The rest of your comment, especially the Kalla Chaamies ( Samys?) part is irrelevant and puerile. I am neither a Samy or an Aasamy. Further, if you dispute what I have referenced for you regarding alternate writings on the Manusmrithi in another lead, please do so with reasons. Prove Dr.Anil Kumar wrong without calling me names.
Dr.RN
/
Dr. Rajasingham Narendran / February 27, 2016
Correction : nor instead of or.
Dr.RN
/
SJ / February 28, 2016
RaneeN,
Do not fall for this trick.
The onus is on Dr RN to prove that Dr Anil Kumar is right.
/
Dr.Rajasingham Narendran / February 29, 2016
SJ,
The onus is on you to prove he is wrong. It is you who condemns his version, thus it is nothing but right to right to justify your stand.
What is tricky about an apology? When I accept a mistake, I have been always ready to apologize.
Dr.RN
/
VK / February 26, 2016
Nowhere in the world do people have the right to dress as they want. Couple of months back in London, a female fitness instructor was asked to leave the Starbucks (or some other reputed coffee shop) because her dressing was seen as inappropriate for the staff and other customers. There were no Asians or other religions involved. A simple London matter.
This was LONDON. I am sure every place in the world imposes some sort of restriction. The University in Jaffna should discuss with the students, staff and other stakeholders on their concerns. Too many restrictions can inhibit the education and University experience but we do not know the reasons or the background to this. Best for the stakeholders to resolve it within rather than expect MIT/Cambridge or Berkeley to provide judgement and views. Every society (incl. Universities) must change/evolve to their comfort, not as a reaction to what the others are doing. Change is constant and inevitable.
To blatantly pass judgement is unwise.
I think the real reason for the renewed attempt at destabilising the VC is this:
http://www.jfn.ac.lk/index.php/gallery/first-international-saiva-conference/
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VK / February 26, 2016
Sorry, It was a COSTA coffee shop (owned by Whitbread PLC) and not Starbucks. But the essence of what I said is there.
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Native Vedda / February 26, 2016
VK
What has Jaffna University education got to do with saree?
How sarees would improve female students’ education?
On the other hand, SuperBrain Yoga is best for the brain which is said to have had the following subjective results:
The children are more focused and ready to work.
The children are displaying improved emotional states.
The child displaying bizarre behaviors appears to have a normal behavior.
The memory and retention of new information appears to have improved.
The entire dynamic of the class has improved dramatically.
Therefore, the Uni administration should make sure super brain yoga is made compulsory for all the academics, admin staff, Vice Chancellor, education minister, ……
Here is a clip which shows you how to practice Super Brain Yoga:
https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=KSwhpF9iJSs#t=64
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VK / February 27, 2016
NV
I am not commenting on WHAT is appropriate dress code. My personal belief is in Public be respectful and dress as the environment/situation demands. In private or informal settings be yourself.
A University/Library/Religious place; it can be argued is a formal setting. Beyond that I have no views. I have not studied in Jaffna to take a call on specifics.
Generally, I wanted to point out that all organizations/institutions or societies impose some restriction on Dress. Even nightclubs don’t allow people in with wrong footwear.
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Dr,Rajasingham Narendran / February 27, 2016
VK,
What would you consider disrespectful or respectful in the context of the University of Jaffna? Jeans, skirts, mini skirts, suridars, shorts? From what I gather from a comment here, even the flesh seen between the blouse and the Saree wrapped around the waist is apparently unacceptable. Fewer and fewer females are wearing the Saree as a routine, except for teachers and government servants. Only the older ladies do so yet. It is a dress for occasions now.
I have discussed this issue with my relatives. They say that the Saree is costly and cumbersome and is not comfortable like the skirt and blouse, Suridar or jeans/pants and blouse/T-shirts. The young females are much bolder and confident now. The dress -pants.jeans-seems to give them a sense of equality with the trouse/jeans wearing male. It is also a safer dress in terms of the sexual predators roaming around. Further, I am sure no female will go to the university semi nude, although they may dress to bring out the best in them in a physical sense. This is their right at their age. We are despite everything , animals in essence. We have to also do the courting dance or moves as dictated by nature. I like to see females dress in screes. They look better.
However, I have come to realize that it is not my right to dictate. My daughter and nieces have taught me this hard lesson. The female has changed by leaps and bounds, while we men are mostly in our pigeon holes! It is hard lesson to learn, but we should now.
I think the females should be petmitted to wear what they prefer, within societal standards of decorum. If they are not given this choice the males should also be asked wear the verti, the shirt that goes with it and the salvai,
I am glad to hear the dress code circular has been withdrawn. Let the university, concentrate on developing the minds, thoughts, genius and creativity of our youth and inspire them with the manifestation of these in themselves, instead of trying to play a role that is not theirs. This is the 21st century and we have to change with the times.
Dr.RN
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Rajash / February 27, 2016
“even the flesh seen between the blouse and the Saree wrapped around the waist is apparently unacceptable”
there is nothing to stop a male sexual pervert to scrutinise a women up and down to see a window of flesh what ever the women is wearing
if women wear skirt and blouse ; men will peep at the gap in the blouse or peep at the exposed legs
women look very elegant in Saree. Even in western countries western women are embracing spree when they attend asian functions.
Please learn to look at women as a teacher, friend, wife, daughter, boss, subordinate, etc etc and not a sexual object!
/
Rajash / February 27, 2016
Correction
Women are embracing saree
/
VK / February 27, 2016
Dr. RN
In the context of JU or anywhere what is appropriate has to be decided by the stakeholders. If the (majority) students, staff, administration and surrounding community consider something inappropriate then it is disrespectful. If the stakeholders consider something acceptable then it is appropriate. Anything beyond is IMPOSING.
As I have said I do not have a view on specifics but definitely support the principle of Dress Code IF there is such a need.
In many countries tourists are asked to remove footwear before entering religious places, dress modestly and not to show affection(kissing/foreplay) in Public. These are cultural sensitivities that must be respected. The same goes for Jaffna IF the public there feel it.
/
Inspector Dirty Hari / March 1, 2016
VK,
“In many countries tourists are asked to remove footwear before entering religious places,”
Yes, I agree but we are not discussing tourists and places of worship. In Jaffna everybody is expected to remove footwear to enter some public libraries, some shops and other public places. At least one dental surgeon also requires patients to remove their shoes.
Have you ever used a toilet in a public library with a dirty flooded floor wearing only socks?
/
Native Vedda / February 27, 2016
Dr.Rajasingham Narendran
“The Jaffna university has become a haven of mediocrity. Cultural policing is a sign of this mediocrity”
Tamils and Sinhalese by nature cannot live without conflict. If there is none, they have their own way of creating new ones, and thrive on it, ….. their purpose of their existence.
Will the men administrators wear just Vesty, shawl on Fridays bare chested like in old days, holy ashes and sandal pottu on their forehead, studs on both ears, sporting handle bar mustache? May be a turban as fashion accessory.
/
Dr.Rajasingham Narendran / February 27, 2016
NV,
Reverse stupidity! Proof that we share a large part of our genes.
Dr.RN
/
SJ / February 28, 2016
Please find out the truth before you pass judgment on the whole institution based on one serious slip by a Dean (corrected promptly by the VC).
/
Dr.Rajasingham Narendran / February 29, 2016
SJ,
The truth lies in the letter signed by the Dean and reproduced here. Until he denies that he signed it, we have to accept it as the truth.
Dr.RN
/
Ajith / February 27, 2016
“Men wear western dress and insist that women wear ‘national’ dress to preserve the culture.”
Dominance of Men is very common throughout the world whether it is west or East.Even within the so called high class well educated men and women we can see this difference. Tamils are no exception. Tamil women are proud of wearing saree in most functions not because of men insisting women it is because there is a beauty. I am sure there was no intention of male dominance in the decision of women to wear Saree and men to avoid denim trousers or beared. I have seen that there are number of churches in the developed world prohibit women entering with armcut clothes and men entering with shorts.
I would advise those who issued this notice to withdraw this notice with an explanation for what was the intention of the dress code.
/
shankar / February 26, 2016
maybe because jaffna culture, especially among the oldies, is authoritarian.
ahh,how nice to live among the easygoing sinhalese.
/
Native Vedda / February 26, 2016
shankar
Where is your lover boy Black and Decker hiding?
/
shankar / February 27, 2016
native,i left him long ago because he was more interested in unnatural acts due to his experiences with LTTE female dead bodies.I think he comments here as sivasankaran sarma and says cool bro nice story.
/
eusense / February 26, 2016
Did not parayabakaran ruled the north and east in a similar manner?
/
maali karunaratne / February 26, 2016
People in this country are paranoid about what a woman wears. Anagarika D prescribed lama sari. Soma Hamaduru also spoke about what a woman should wear. Then JVP was opposed to women wearing trousers to the University. Principals of schools wants women to wear sarees to schools. I do not know what is the circular that prescribes that the parents who do not come in within the discipline of the schools to wear sarees. Then the Muslim schools want their women dressed with a head cover. Some deviants want their face covered too as mentioned in the articles appearing in the CT. LTTE chief wanted women to wear sari and a pottu. Jaffna University has gone one step further by asking the men to shave their beards. We are not sure why this is is so
Why is this control of women’s dress. Is it how men want to see women and what is wrong if women are dressed according to what they wish. Saree can be very revealing too, but that has not prevented the Jaffna Uni asking women to wear the saree.
There is a fear that they will be raped by men if they dress ” immodestly” But dress has little to do with rape. Even small kids are raped. Grand mothers are raped. It is a matter of showing power and control.
Any way I would like to know why the Jaffna University imposed a dress code. Can they give an explanation
/
Rajash / February 26, 2016
‘LTTE chief wanted women to wear sari and a pottu. “
In the admin area LTTE women volunteers wore saree and pottu.
The Tigress wore combat out fit.They looked very smart.
LTTE may have its faults, but they liberalised the Tamil women
The sad thing is the ex LTTE women fighters are now rejected by the Tamil society.
Most of them are from low caste.
Once they were daring fighters now they are once again shy introverts.
/
Amarasiri / February 27, 2016
Rajash
“Most of them are from low caste. “
“Once they were daring fighters now they are once again shy introverts. “
Now they are following Vellala Hinduism.
/
manoharan / February 28, 2016
“The LTTE liberalized women”, indeed, they LIBEARLLY USED women. They were the most useful suicde cadre, and they were the most easily manipulated. The top command of the LTTE did not include any women.
/
Native Vedda / February 26, 2016
maali karunaratne
“People in this country are paranoid about what a woman wears. “
The men are so paranoid, soon they would force their women folks to wear a chastity belt.
/
Rajash / February 27, 2016
Native Vedda
“The men are so paranoid, soon they would force their women folks to wear a chastity belt.”
on the contrary I heard that it is the Sri Lankan women who are wearing charity belt and holding their husbands to ransom , like expensive handbags and shoes, to unlock the charity belt for the gateway to heaven.
Trust me I am not speaking from my own experience
/
Douglas / February 26, 2016
Native Vedda: How about introducing your “National Dress” viz. An AMUDE (span cloth to protect those private parts from the attack of weather conditions and damage caused by shrubs and insects while hunting) and a “PORAWA” (Axe) hung on the shoulder, that will become very handy and useful if an when attacked at protest rallies by the Police. That is for “males”. For “females” instead of that short wrap around up to knee level could be a “Mini Skirt” that we disbanded some years back. The breast level could be covered, that also with so many types of “Bra” available; but that has to receive Presidential approval, because that has to be a thing which cannot be removed in a hurry and thrown at singers performing at concerts. Why don’t you arrange your clan to stage a “RALLY” in front of the Jaffna University, dressed as per my suggestion. That will “Educate” the person who issued those “Dress Codes” about the remaining “Dress Codes” that he is not AWARE of. I will definitely be there. Also our “MAHA HOORA” will say “HUTTA PTANG” and cultural awakening has begun. You have my support. Please be assured.
/
Inspector Dirty Hari / February 26, 2016
“Previously, according to another news report, “The prayer room used by Muslims for worship at the University of Jaffna in Thirunelvely was vandalised during night by unknown persons who poured waste engine oil and defiled the premises.”
They might as well be given 48 hours to leave Jaffna to stop outside influence corrupting our society.
/
Sajith / February 26, 2016
By doing so university authority nakedly expose its emptiness of knowledge and poverty of understanding of human nature. They don’t know what is necessary to provide an environment which can encourage students to realise and respect the value of freedom and liberty and promote free thinking to facilitate learning. this attitude of arrogance and ignorance strangulating our children in university is very disturbing. Hope we have few sensible people still in higher places. I strongly urge students to protest against this vulgar mentality dictating their consciousness.
/
maali karunaratne / February 26, 2016
Just heard that the infamous circular has been withdrawn. Can any one vouch for this. Curious to know how it came about and why it was withdrawn
/
Upali Wickramasinghe / February 26, 2016
The Dean must be aa acolyte of the Chief priest of Asgiriya temple.Idiots still roams this country.
/
vish / February 26, 2016
The VC and her appointments, her heads and Deans act as if the Jaffna university is still the old Hindu high school Parameswara College for their minset is like the old Parameswara collegel. Even the surroundings have Sai Baba and other such places that the environment it feels suffocating for non Hindus from Jaffna. Everywhere and all day in Jaffna loudspeakers are blaring bajans competitively for their own gods and goddesses. Such a dinn that people inside muslims and churches and the children in the tuition classes cant hear their mullas. May be Jaffna University should be made into the Hindu Pirivena it is. Vavuniya or Batticaloa University can be asked to absorb Jaffna university if it continues like this..
Unlike in our time when the university was new and just one, a secular university it seems now is utterly unthinkable. Sri Lanka is truly a religiously and ethnically divided country. No Tamil vc appointments in Peradeniya, Colombo or Moratuwa, Galle etc.because they are not Sinhala or Budhist whatever their qualifications. Our Muslims and Malays have their own university in Oluvil. May be the Christians should be given a Christian plus Catholic plus whatever they have got- university somewhere near the Madhu Church to debate first their own divisions. Then everybody can choose to wear or not wear dress codes by a vote and choose their own day to do so .
Then all shall live happily ever after in Sri Lanka.
/
Inspector Dirty Hari / February 27, 2016
vish,
“Even the surroundings have Sai Baba and other such places that the environment it feels suffocating for non Hindus from Jaffna. Everywhere and all day in Jaffna loudspeakers are blaring bajans competitively for their own gods and goddesses. Such a dinn that people inside muslims and churches and the children in the tuition classes cant hear their mullas”
It is difficult for Hindus also. I have stopped going to some libraries because taking shoes off and putting them on is a problem due to medical problems. In addition one of the libraries is under a constant “drumming attack” from a next door kovil.
I spent half of last night being forced to listen to two religious cultural events somewhere far away. It must have been really disturbing for the people living near the events. When one event ends another starts.
/
Dr,Rajasingham Narendran / February 27, 2016
inspector Dirty Harry,
A former Principal of the Banbalapitiya Hindu Collex]ge insisted that every one entering this office should remove their shoes/ slippers outside the entrance. The students were permitted to wear shoes inside Brie classrooms. The class rooms where the learning was important and could considered the temples of Saraswathy. I was so annoyed with the utter meaningless of the arrangement that I was forced to refer to him as Mr.Saraswathy.’
The public libraries too should be secular and not impose Hindu practices on others, if individuals want to remove their she’s, there should be a placed reserved to store the shoes. All pictures of Hindu Gods from public institutions should be removed. How these offices function are an affront to the Gods we display!
This she.slipper removing practice has been introduced in many shops now and it is very inconvenient to walk around the shops in socks and thereafter wear the she with dirty socks. Like you,it is also difficult for me to walk without shoes.
Where I live in Jaffna, I am surrounded by Hindu temples, a church and a Buddhist vihara. They all have louspeakers and make much noise. The church ( I not sure of the denomination) sermons full of fire and brimstone and are are very difficult to stomach.
I wonder why the police do not apply noise related regulations.’
No religious practice or religiousness, should be permitted to become a public nuisance. At Peradeniya], in my time, there were Buddhist and Hindu temples , churches and a mosque. However, they were not noise polluters. The Murugan Temple in fact served food to everyone who came, on special religious days.
Like Peradeniya, the Jaffna University campus, should have In addition to the Hindu temple, a church, a Buddhist temple and a mosque, to cater to the needs of the students. The University itself should maintain a non-sectarian profile, in its many facets of activities.
I think we have to learn to treat others like how we want to be treated by others.
Dr.RN
/
Dr,Rajasingham Narendran / February 27, 2016
Correction: the first paragraph should read:
A former Principal of the Banbalapitiya Hindu College insisted that every one entering his office should remove their shoes/ slippers outside the entrance. The students were permitted to wear shoes inside their classrooms. The classrooms where the learning was imparted could be considered the temples of Saraswathy. It would be logical for students not to wear shoes inside the classroom. I was so annoyed with the utter meaningless of the arrangement that I was forced to refer to him as Mr. Saraswathy.
Dr.RN
/
Inspector Dirty Hari / March 1, 2016
Dr RN,
“The church ( I not sure of the denomination) sermons full of fire and brimstone and are are very difficult to stomach.”
I have heard that one of the small churches in my area tried to use loud speakers some years ago. This church is 100% for the so called low caste. The little higher caste Hindus (not Vellalah and from a small caste) on the other side of the road dividing the caste enclaves complained and stopped the church. Those Hindus have a very noisy but small kovil that others should tolerate while the church was disturbing.
“I wonder why the police do not apply noise related regulations.”
If there is a complaint the police may ask to reduce the volume and they give warnings. Since to my best knowledge nobody has been prosecuted for excessive noise in Jaffna the warnings do not work. I believe that, for instance, Kokuvil Hindu College is disturbed during school hours by the next door kovil despite many complaints. The warnings are forgotten when the next festival starts.
I wonder why there is less or no noise in Peradenya, Colombo and other places. Is it because of police action or a sign of the culture in Jaffna?
There are hospitals, primary clinics, vets, schools etc who are disturbed by noise pollution but the problem continues. I visited last year the new big private hospital in Jaffna and clearly heard music from the neighboring kovil in an expensive patient room.
’
/
sekara / February 29, 2016
Inspector mahaththayaa
ivang konjang poy solrang.
The man seems to have an ax to grind (whose I don’t know) against the VC and the University.
The place has had a rough time especially after AT left as VC.
It is recovering slowly but certainly from what I hear regardless of the nasty whisper campaign that had gone on for some time.
It will be wiser for honest people to check the truth before commenting.
There are of course those who knowingly tell less and will shamelessly lie again and again.
thayavu senji orukkaa jaffna poy paththu vaango.
/
Dr.Rajasingham Narendran / February 29, 2016
Avar Yarlpaanathilthaan irrukindrar (he lives in Jaffna)! Avar pala vidayankalai therinthu than solukindraar ( he comments on matters he is aware of). Naanum Yarlpaanathil pala naatkal nitpavan thaan ( I also spend many days in Jaffna).
Dr.RN
/
sekara / February 29, 2016
One’s living in Jaffna is no guarantee that what is said is the truth.
Have you visited the UoJ includng Kilinochchi & Vavuniya? Any impressions?
The UoJ, as far as I know, is recovering from the hard times it had a few years ago. It may have some way to go before it can be on par with Pdn, Mrt and Rhn.
From what I gather, apart from all gossip, the VC UoJ commands more respect in the UGC than most of her predecessors.
/
Dr.Rajasingham Narendran / February 29, 2016
SJ,
No, I have not visited the Agricilture and Engineering faculties. They are yet new. I have met some who had graduated from the agriculture faculty, when it was in Thinnaiveli. I was not impressed. I have also met graduates and undergraduates from the Arts Faculty and I was not impressed either. The Jaffna University should aim to be better than other universities in Sri Lanka. The faculty is not what it should be- inbred and a nest of favouritism. Sexual predation is beyond tolerable limits.’
Further, a university is not its buildings. Shantiniketsn when founded by Rabindeanath Tagore, functioned under the shade of trees! What is important is the quality of graduates it produces.
Further, if you happen to be a one of the newly appointed members in the Jaffna University Council, impress on the need to produce socially conscious, thinking and problem solving individuals. Help set this university on the right path. To ask questions and demand answers and solutions, would be the way forward, not defending what is to many of us unacceptable. A vision must be defined in concrete terms for the Jaffna University and this should be made known to everyone serving in it and everyone who is a student there.
If you are not a council member, the last paragraph, will not apply.
Dr.RN
/
sekara / February 29, 2016
Agriculture at Tinneveli would have been some time ago.
I do not know the criteria that you use. But admittedly there is a drop in standards over the past few decades, much owing to the damage to school education.
The universities need to do a lot of repair work.
I agree that a university is not its buildings.
But some things need a little more than the shade of a tree.
Yet, from what I gather, thus far, all Sri Lankan Science, Technology and Medical graduates have done well abroad. There is a need to sustain it.
The government appears to have been more generous with funding since end of war. Finding competent and committed staff has been a challenge since 1989. Things should improve unless government higher education policy goes berserk.
Thus, there is hope provided mischief does not get the better of serious effort.
/
Sellam / February 26, 2016
A dress code is essential in the University like many other schools. Why should the university students grow beard and dress in denim and T-shirt.
The University students should not divulge in unnecessary activities concerning outside incidents. They should have a parliamentary forum and have discussions. Many of the students do not have the standard of education when they pass out from the University. I am aware of couple of students who graduated from the Jaffna University cannot write 10 sentences either in Tamil or English correctly. These students should be tamed how to become a good citizen of the land. A dress code and presentation of self is important as they are yet students.
/
Panang Koddai / February 27, 2016
Aiyo sellam… how can wearing saree on Fridays get them to learn to write ten sentences in Tamil/English? If we can make them write ten sentences by wearing saree on Fridays, would you suggest they should come in a saree every day — then they can write 5 X 10 = 50 sentences, no.
Aiyo, aiyo…
/
Dr.Rajasingham Narendran / February 27, 2016
Sellam,
A university is different from a school. It is a place where they have be independent and freedom to define themselves and seek their place in society as leaders in whatever they do. They have learn to stand on their own feet and make decisions.
‘
Dr.RN
/
Sellam / February 27, 2016
Dr.RN
Of course in Higher education the students have the freedom to define themselves and choose what they want to do in later life. It is something different on the subject we are indulging in.
I am really surprised of your view of ambiguity.
According to some of the comments made on this subject, the University students should be free to attend university in whatever dress they prefer. Under the circumstance, a female student could wear a skirt above her knee showing her underwear, spread her hair front and back and wear sun glasses and attend the lecture; A male student could wear a torn denim open on both sides of the Knees and printed t-shirt and wear sunglasses. The male students could also grow long beard and long moustache. The female and male lecturers could also wear dresses in similar fashion. What kind of society the University will be creating?
It is a shame. In our times we never heard of a 10 year old child being raped. I reiterate that a code of conduct, even in the case of dress the students have to wear should be imposed by the administration.
/
Dr.Rajasingham Narendran / February 28, 2016
Sellam,
You imagining an extreme scenario! I have visited the arts faculty several times. The female undegraduates were decently dressed- a few in Saree and others in various other combinations. The undergraduate males to were attired decently. I did not notice anything different from my days at Peradeniya.
Dr.RN
/
Inspector Dirty Hari / March 1, 2016
Sellam,
“What kind of society the University will be creating?”
Please visit some of the very respected universities in, for instance, USA to see what the future leaders of the world are wearing.
Visit Singapore to see what women there wear.
Denim, mini skirts, T-shirts, beard and sun glasses do not cause brain damage. Nor do they make people rape a 10 year old.
/
Sellam / February 26, 2016
The dress code in Universities is of paramount importance and should originate from homes as well as the institution. The parents of these students should take more responsibility as the dress one wears associates with their behaviour.
/
Rajash / February 26, 2016
During my school days , one of my friend started to sport a beard. The Principal ordered him to shave it.
The Principal’s son was also in our click. When he came to know why his friend shaved off his beard, The Principal’s son then decided to grow a beard.
I dont agree with imposition of dress code.
However I also don’t think that we should single out Muslims.
ane they can’t grow beard know
and they can’t wear the burqa know
in the 1950s 60s and 70s Muslims were invisible. They mingled with Tamils, Sinhalese, Bushiest, Burghers.
But now Muslims “stand out”everywhere with their distinctive beard and clothing.
Nothing wrong with that. But stop patronising.
/
Lanka Watch / February 26, 2016
Unlike the good old days, when all got back to their homes before dusk set in, today, there is no law and order in Jaffna and students roam the streets at any time,and it is the right time for the authorities
at the university and schools, introduce some strict discipline among the students but their choices were wrong ,without thinking deep into the matter. One thing, it is not clear whether this memo was issued only to the Tamil students as it is written in Tamil language or to all the students,some of them are Sinhalese and Muslims, whose customs
differ from Tamil customs. It is customary for Muslims to grow a beard for religious reasons and all Sinhala girl students do not wear sarees as their national dress(Kandyan) is different from that of the Tamils. Instead, the authorities should see that drinking and socialising in bad company with outsiders in the university/school premises is banned and violators are punished, severely.
However, the administrators of the Jaffna university are educated
people and they should have known, before the issuance of this memo, that the people of Jaffna and their children too are poor and there
is nothing wrong in wearing cheap dresses like tee-shirts and jeans, as long as they cover themselves properly, provided the tee-shirts have the Uni, or national logo and not any offending logos. There is poverty in Jaffna & N/E and students cannot afford to wear name brand dresses. Its only last week,a young girl in Vavuniya did not want to attend school, because she did not have another school uniform to wear and unfortunately she came across some cads, who raped her and killed her in her own home. Only one year back, there was a hue and cry for
a girl raped and killed in the Islands of Jaffna but this crime goes,
unabated.
Strongly suggest that the Jaffna Uni. authorities withdraw the memo
before Weerawanse & Gnanaseera Thera and clan get hold of the memo.
/
vish / February 27, 2016
“it is not clear whether this memo was issued only to the Tamil students as it is written in Tamil language or to all the students,some of them are Sinhalese and Muslims, whose customs differ from Tamil customs.”
The majority of Muslims still speak Tamil at home even if they chatter among themselves in Sinhalese outside in the south. Even then for many muslims Tamil is still their first language and medium of instruction.
So the Muslims were targeted too.
One can only hope that unlike the some Sri Lankan Unis which used to use Sinhala exclusively for everything, even lectures Jaffna uni is not using Tamil only.
/
NP / February 27, 2016
It is untrue that
“Its only last week,a young girl in Vavuniya did not want to attend school, because she did not have another school uniform to wear and unfortunately she came across some cads, who raped her and killed her in her own home.”
There was no penetration according to the coroner but sexual harassment there was, based on marks on her chest. The matter is under investigation and one aspect is whether the mother had a lover.
Let us wait for the police to do their job. It was only 2 days ago that there was a hartal to protest the alleged slow progress by the police. It was not as successful. Many places functioned. Someone who participated was not sure who had called for it.
/
sinhalese buddhist / February 27, 2016
Has anyone looked at images of Lao Tzu and Confucian intellectuals? If you have you’d notice that they have a long, grey beard that they hold up with their hand.
And you should know that ancient China was one of the most merit-driven societies on earth, with standardized curriculum and entrance exams required for their civil servants. And this was before Oxford or Cambridge were even conceptualized.
One can “dress the part”, but our country will never succeed in this modern world, if we try to quash multi-culturism, individualism and merit. It matters naught what one wears, it’s one’s actions that determine his fate.
One cannot hide one’s racism and bigotry, nor one’s stupidity, by wrapping it in a sari or sarong!
/
VK / February 27, 2016
I am sure this was a pre-Gillette era.
/
Rohan / February 27, 2016
I am absolutely appalled by the hot off the press news that a female student was attcked near Jaffna University for wearing T-shirt and jeans. The news implies that it was a Sinhalese student.
It is a shameful and cowardly attack!! While I am ashamed and upset about the news, as a Jaffna Tamil, I put my head down in disgust. I hope, the perpetrators will be found and appropriately punished.
In the mean time, I hope, thi doesn’t trigger any reactions in other universities where we have large populations of Tamil and Muslim students in the ‘South’.
Jaffna University has withdrawn the dress code. But, I hope, the idiots who came up with such nonsense in the first place are appropriately exposed.
Shame on you Dr Gnanakumaran. Shame on you the attackers.
/
VV / February 27, 2016
Where were you when our Vice Chancellor Hoole was hounded by people gajeying at Jaffna University and his effigy was burned? We students had to talk to him secretly outside the university to get reference letters.
/
Rohan / February 27, 2016
//Where were you when our Vice Chancellor Hoole was hounded by people gajeying at Jaffna University and his effigy was burned? We students had to talk to him secretly outside the university to get reference letters//
I have been here well before his time and I thought Hoole should have been allowed to serve. I expressed my views openly as well. But, I am glad tat he wa not given that position as Hoole sould bizarre. Now, where are you and what have YOU done for this stupidity in Jaffna University?
Talk to him secretly outside the university? Bother to explain why? How would Hoole sign as the Vice Chancellor? Are you suggesting that a man who did not work in Jaffna University proper gave reference letters? Did he know any students and how good they were? Something is seriously fishy!!!
/
S.R.H. Hoole / February 27, 2016
Rohan, I am sorry to see that you are joining the large phalanx that makes wrong statements authoritatively.
You ask, “Talk to him [Hoole] secretly outside the university? Bother to explain why? How would Hoole sign as the Vice Chancellor? Are you suggesting that a man who did not work in Jaffna University proper gave reference letters? Did he know any students and how good they were? Something is seriously fishy!!!”
For your information
1) Today 27 Feb. the university Council decided to accept the University Services Appeals Board ruling that I was VC and to list me on the Board where all VCs are listed.
2) If you know what you are talking about, you will know why people had to speak to me secretly in Colombo where I was operating as VC.
3) Yes, lecturers who were applying for various scholarships had to have their applications forwarded by the VC. They came to me and I signed and forwarded them as VC. I suppose you would have refused and let them lose the scholarship. Do not ask who they were. I need not expose them to the likes of you.
4)Two staff members going abroad on scholarship required recommendations and references for visas and I happily wrote these for them.
5) Yes, I have given reference letters to many Jaffna students and staff members. If I know a person’s character to be good, I am prepared to give strong references if his or her certificates show a good intellect. I hope you are not one of our many academics who agree to give students a reference and then give one like, as I have seen, “So and so was a student from this date to that. He got a Second class Upper Division. His conduct was good.” Such letters tdo not add to a student’s transcript and take students nowhere. Your questions make me think you are one of those horrid academics who ruin students by their references and as VC would never recommend staff members who did not work with you saying you do not know them whereas you can find out and help through good references.
I urge you to rethink and become a good decent human being.
/
Ajith / February 27, 2016
The available information from Jaffna suggests that there was no such decision was made to impose a dress code. There was a discussion took place and it was told that it would have been better if students avoid denim and t -shirts and ladies wear sarees in Friday etc.
/
Daniston / February 27, 2016
There was a decision and the relevant Circular has been produced here. The Circular was issued by Dean Arts. But when a security guard stops a nearly 70 year old, Sinhalese man at the gate for being in shorts, it must be because of orders from the VC. She must have circulated that Circular to everyone. At least she knew about it and kept quiet for the week and more after the Circular was issued till yesterday. The Security guards will not act on a memo from the Dean of the Arts Faculty.
/
Rohan / February 27, 2016
I have seen those letters with ‘thump pins’ at the corners. I am sure that particular one was from a notice board. http://www.pathivu.com/?p=62831
The VC says clearly that there was a discussion at the Senate, but there was np decision.
But the Faculty of Arts DECIDED and INFORMED what they wanted.
/
SJ / February 28, 2016
As far as I know, there was no Council decision as implied in the Dean’s instructions and the newspaper reports based on it.
The VC acted promptly to revoke the offensive instructions. The Council appears to have endorsed her position.
The Council seems to have fared well thus far and free of controversy, and needs public support.
Much of the discussion here has been speculation based on prejudices on various sides.
Should we not check the facts before we comment?
/
Dr.Rajasingham Narendran / February 29, 2016
SJ,
The truth lies in the letter signed by the Dean and reproduced here. Until he denies that he signed it, we have to accept it as the truth.
Dr.RN
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SJ / February 29, 2016
“As far as I know, there was no Council decision as implied in the Dean’s instructions and the newspaper reports based on it.”
The Dean did not deny the letter.
The VC has denied Council instruction.
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pacs / February 27, 2016
This topic is diversionary tactic from the crucial issues
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Pacs / February 27, 2016
In and around the Jaffna University is the place where social and political conspiracies are composed and mushroomed since its inception.
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ST / February 27, 2016
VC Elections are due in March. Every Dean is eyeing that and needs the VC’s support. This makes her authority on the Council absolute.
Candidates are already positioning themselves to show who is the most Hindu and win the vote for VC.
Srisatkunarajah (Dean, Science) has built his temple on crown land and is offering poojas on a major road for all to see his devotion as a Hindu.The VC has rewarded him by putting him in charge of the project to make a new university entrance facing the temple.
Gnanakumaran (Dean Arts) worked closely with the VC to save the reputation of the Ramanathan Academy which is rife with abuses on female students and save the Senior Lecturer with uncontrolled libido who is close to the VC and whose mother-in-law is the VC’s beautician. For this purpose Gnanakumaran got his brother Selvakumaran to write a legal argument why that Senior Lecturer’s suspension was wrong and read out the argument at the Council where the VC allowed him to do that over the objections of the other members that Selvakumaran had no standing at the Council.
That attempt having failed, Gnanakumaran then issued this Hindu dress code which has been around for over a week. It was the hot topic of discussion at the university. It was implemented by the security guards.
The VC now says she did not know about Gnanakumaran’s memo and the Council did not put it out. With the noise from Muslim students she has denied that it is from the Council but Gnanakumaran insists that the Council gave a general direction and he and the Heads gave the actual details of the code.
The bottomline is that VC has cut off poor Gnanakumaran’s legs from under him to save her own neck.
Ding-Dong. Round 1 goes to Srisatkunarajah.
Perhaps the Council should leave it that and declare Satku the winner to spare minorities from further atrocities in the race for VC.
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sekara / February 29, 2016
Which VC Elections ST Sir?
Village Councils? They have been postponed.
If it is Vice Chancellor elections you have to wait a little longer I think.
People are named and sick remarks made about them. It is hard for anyone in responsible position to defend against such venom without getting involved in a slanging match to the relish of sick minds.
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Inspector Dirty Hari / February 27, 2016
“Dated 17.02.2016 from the Faculty of Arts, the dress code is claimed to flow from a Directive of the Council of the university and the subsequent meeting of Department Heads at 11:00 AM on 16.02.2016.”
It would be interesting to take a look at the minutes of the meeting of the Heads and find out if there really is a directive from the council. Is this kind of documentation available for outsiders?
What on earth were the Heads thinking? Did they vote?
Does the University Council, Heads and Dean have the power to force men to shave to lecture and sit in a lecture hall? Have they heard of Fundamental Rights and Human Rights and Common Sense?
The dress code apparently has been withdrawn but I am pretty sure that we will see more action like this in Jaffna.
I have decided to grow a beard and borrow pink denim jeans from my niece.
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JJ / February 28, 2016
Hari, pink jeans and beard should have interesting implications!
If you’re back, keep in touch and let us know the results.
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Inspector Dirty Hari / March 1, 2016
JJ,
“If you’re back, keep in touch and let us know the results.”
I am still working on my new appearance. After reading the comments I am thinking about the following:
turban
big dot on the fore head
sunglasses
long beard and hair
holy ash and thread instead of a shirt
hair transplant on the chest
pink jeans that are torn
toe rings and green nail polish
But where can I go to show myself?
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S.R.H. Hoole / February 27, 2016
Dress Codes
===========
Here is an extract without comment from a book in production in the US on Ethics for Professionals with June 2016 as the scheduled date of release [The rest of this comment is entirely from the in-press book]:
[Begin quotation from book]
We also may observe a similar asymmetry between men and women. This we see in dress codes. We feel freer to tell a male employee how to dress but are reluctant to do the same to a female employee for fear of being accused of sexism. For example in Singapore, a country where political correctness seems of less concern than in other countries, the National University of Singapore has a dress code that is described as follows (http://www.pharmacy.nus.edu.sg/students/notices_dresscode.html):
[Begin quotation from NUS]
In order to maintain the good image of the University, students are reminded that they must be properly and decently attired when they are on campus. Improper attire includes the following:
• T-shirts without sleeves
• Singlets
• Shorts (including hot pants, denim shorts, beach shorts, sports shorts) Shorts does not extend to:
• Smart bermudas (cut-jeans which are neatly hemmed up, can be regarded as bermudas; not more than two inches above the top of the kneel [sic.] cap)
• Culottes
• Clothes with indecent words or pictures or exposing the midriffs (except the sari)
• Slippers (does not include sandals with backstraps)
• Tights/Bicycle pants above the knee cap
Students who are not properly attired will not be admitted to the classes.
[End quotation from NUS]
Do you see any restrictions on the women students of the National University of Singapore among whom mini-skirts and very low cut blouses are very common? Why is a special exemption given to sari-wearing Tamil women in allowing them to expose their midriffs? Has that anything to do with minority rights and a special allowance and margin of tolerance for minorities to avoid charges by them of discrimination of any sort? Are different standards being demanded of men? Or is the silence of men from a fear of accusations of sexism, giving women special privileges? Is the exemption for the sari, in fear of being accused of minority-bashing?
[End quotation from book]
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Saro / February 27, 2016
Rohan,
“I am absolutely appalled by the hot off the press news that a female student was attcked near Jaffna University for wearing T-shirt and jeans. The news implies that it was a Sinhalese student.”.
You must be absolutely certain about the identity of the race to which the victim belongs before jumping to make a comment on the incident. Of course, it must be condemned in the most serious and effective way but you seem to create mob feeling among racist elements waiting to go at the usual weaker vulnerable communities on the basis of ‘implication’.
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sekara / February 29, 2016
Saro
I am concerned about the attack, and race is immaterial to me.
But before I comment and canvass, can you give us your source of information and more data?
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Chandra / February 27, 2016
Dear Mr.Ratnesingham
It is not the Hindu culture that is responsible for the imposition of the authoritarian dress code in the University of Jaffna. Hinduism is a very accommodating religion. Those behind this dress code are the ones deeply servile to the archaic colonial culture. They no doubt follow the current developments in Britain and France.
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Dr.Rajasingham Narendran / February 27, 2016
As a child I have seen toplessness in Jaffna. During early years of British rule all women of all castes were topless. We were not prudes and considered the breasts functional extensions of the female body. It is British and the missionaries in particular who considered the exposure shameful and transformed us into prudes.
Now some women roam topless in New York City. Toplessness is fwy shin statement now in many Western countries. What a reversal of attitudes? In the process we have lost our innocence!
Dr.RN
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RaneeN / February 27, 2016
“During early years of British rule all women of all castes were topless”: Dr. Narendran.
No Sir. The upper castes had blouses. The lower castes were not allowed blouses.
In New York city as everywhere a few people may try going topless. But the Mayor Bill de Blasio is trying to stop that. The law is still not settled and those few who go topless risk arrest under different statutes because indecent exposure has not worked for the police as a charge.
Women readers, please do not think we are free to go about NY topless believing it is an option. It is not unless we are prepared to spend heavily on our legal defence on free speech and equal rights grounds. It will work as a defence after we are arrested but we will be broke by the end of it.
Dr. R.N. Sir, please stop showing off your knowledge because you are showing off your lack of it.
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Dr.Rajasingham Narendran / February 28, 2016
No, it was not so. The Vellahlas started wearing the blouse first and thereafter the others slowly followed. In fact the Vellahlas at one point considered it the caste privilege to wear the blouse.
Dr.RN
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SJ / February 28, 2016
Ranee
Baring of bare breasts was not obscene or unsocial in many ancient societies.
The denial of the right to cover or not to cover breasts was the issue.
People below a certain caste rank were denied that right and fought for it. The upper caste authoritarianism affected men as well. Control on wearing shawls, slippers etc., having to stand aside when a Vellala passes, and many more. (The history of casteism among Tamils in Sri Lanka and struggles against it was published as a well documented book in Tamil in 1987 or so and a second edition appeared about 15 years ago.)
In Tamilnadu there was a famous “blouse wearing right” struggle by Nadar women in the 19th Century.
I heard an interesting anecdote of that era. During a hearing, the representative of the Nadars said “Sirs, why our women like to cover the breast is because it is the only part of the body that develops after they are gender conscious. The rest have been there from birth. If you insist, we will ask our women to bare everything but their breasts.”
The upper castes were dumbfounded.
In course of time Nadar women won their right to wear blouses.
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manoharan / February 28, 2016
Lower castes were NOT ALLOWED to cover their breasts. They could not travel in public transport. The very lowest could only come out in the dark as the vellalah regarded even seeing the lower castes as pollution. There used to be an old-timer writer named Sebastain Rasalingam who wrote detailed articles about how he and others of his caste level suffered from upper caste domination. He mentions how Indian estate workers (his wife was one) families had to walk back to India as they were not allowed in train carraiges, and how the younger women folk were routinely raped by upper caste young men on the way up towards the North, and so they took jungle paths avoiding such mishaps. He says how he was amazed and surpirsed when he came to Clobo in the 1950s and found the sinhalese society to be largely free of such indimidation and caste at least in every day life.
So I think the Hindu Oxthodoxy has to take full blame for this. Religion should be a private matter and not a thing for public showing. The government should rapidly move to remove all religions symbolism from public institutions and the University.
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Dr,Rahasingham Narendran / February 28, 2016
An interesting anecdote from the past:
The female fishwenders located at Pannai, Sinnakadai etc., did not wear blouses in the 1950’s. This was a time all small children were administered ‘ Korosanai’ mixed in human milk. People who did have human milk at home would go to the busy female fishwenders and ask, ” Eney ( lady) would you give us some”. They would say quite nonchalantly, I am busy, if you want draw some (Karandu Kondu Poe).
The times are different today! I hope RaneeN will not hasten to deny that such things transpired in the Jaffna of old.
Dr,RN
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SJ / February 28, 2016
Dead right Manoharan on every point.
The depressed by caste had to fight for more than a century to win some of their rights under British rule. But many things remained and the campaign for equal treatment in tea boutiques and temple entry that started in 1967 was a climax. But that ended only the visible discrimination.
There is a battle remaining to defeat caste arrogance in the minds that manifests as subtle action to keep out the depressed by caste. For example, principals have recently been transferred out of good schools in Kilinochchi to far away schools by the NPC Ministry of Education and replaced by upper caste persons.
Dr RN is trying to evade issues with irrelevant anecdotes. Best to ignore his comments.
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Dr.Rajasingham Narendran / February 28, 2016
SJ,
‘Evade? In what way?
Have I been supportive of casteism and religious discrimination ?
Are facts of history distasteful to hear
Dr.RN
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SJ / February 29, 2016
Ranee was discussing a serious pint about the right to cover one’s breasts.
The point raised by Manoharan was about right to wear a blouse and other abuses.
You respond (apparantly to the latter but bring in Ranee) with stories about expressing milk of women of other castes.
What is the relevance?
If that is not evading issues what else is?
If you insist that you are right once again as you geneally do, I declare “நீ சொன்னால் காவியம்” and I surrender!
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Dr.Rajasingham Narendran / February 29, 2016
I was referring to the early years of British rule and the situation then. I did not in anyway approval of the non-vellahla castes to cover their breasts. My anectode was to remind that the fishwenders females were not earring blouses even in the 1050’s and supplied the human milk for korosanai. Even the Vellahla’s used their milk! There was no caste discrimination when there was a need!
Further, I have a photograph of a church group in which many of the females without blouses, but are covering their chests with the fall of the Saree. They were very likely Protestant Vellahlas, of whom the one wearing a blouse is related to us and could in terms of generations been probably a great grand mother to me.
I do not venture to write unless I know something about what I write or having read about it.
Dr.RN
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Confucius / February 28, 2016
Very wrong. Hinduism is the source of casteism, developed by Brahmins with them at the apex. Truth must be faced however unpalatable it may be.
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SJ / February 29, 2016
Kung Fu-Tzu ancient godless Chinese man, how dare you denounce our ancient Hindu religion that goes back 232,007 years in history.
Caste was given to the Hindus by all the gods by unanimous vote. Don’t try to change it.
Watch your words, or else Hindutva Modi will get the USA to bomb China out of existence.
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Crazyoldmansl / February 27, 2016
the authoritarian mentality of the Tamils is begining to show…
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Prof Hoole's Student / February 29, 2016
Our authoritarianism is clear. When Prof. Hoole oppose caste, most of them against opposing caste, even give thumps down for deleted nonreadable comments. Others write against caste without referring to Prof.
Also see article on Jaffna University Dress Code. Majority people there are against caste because that article not by Prof. If he had written, that article would have been condemned. That is our authoritarianism, our intelligent.
Jaffna engineering faculty need people like Prof. to teach thinking.
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