Shave their heads: Tamil Nadu Minister's remark on students' hairstyles sparks row

A Tamil Nadu minister has sparked a controversy by suggesting that schoolchildren sporting what she considers inappropriate hairstyles should have their heads "completely shaved" to instil discipline. Minister Ku Jagadeeswari's remarks drew sharp criticism, prompting other ministers to defend her, saying they reflected her motherly affection and concern for students' upbringing.Speaking at a public event in Virudhunagar district, Jagadeeswari expressed strong disapproval of the hairstyles adopted by some school-going children, saying they made them look like "rowdies".She stressed that students should maintain disciplined appearances and said parents had a responsibility to ensure their children followed appropriate grooming practices."I feel so terrible to see children's hairstyles now. Do they have hairstyles like children going to school? They look like rowdies. Children's hairstyles should be disciplined," she said. The remarks were made during a foundation stone-laying ceremony for the construction of a compound wall at a government school in Virudhunagar district on Sunday. The event was also attended by Minister Vanniyarasu and Virudhunagar District Collector Saranya Ari.The minister went on to suggest that students with hairstyles she considered inappropriate should have their heads completely shaved. "If the hairstyle is not good, completely shave the head off. There is nothing wrong with it. I am saying this considering them as my own children. Only then will they properly cut their hair," the minister said.Jagadeeswari also questioned the role of parents in allowing children to adopt such hairstyles. She argued that indiscipline often begins at home and that parents should recognise their responsibility in shaping their children's behaviour and appearance.The minister's remarks drew sharp criticism online, with many users slamming her comments, while others pointed out that her tone was unbecoming of someone holding a ministerial position.Following the controversy, other ministers came out in support of Jagadeeswari, saying her comments should be understood as an expression of maternal affection and concern for students rather than interpreted negatively.Defending the minister, they said Jagadeeswari's remarks reflected her love and care for children and her genuine concern for their disciplined growth.They also urged people not to interpret her speech with ulterior motives, arguing that the intention behind her comments should be understood in the right context.The defence came amid criticism over her suggestion that students with hairstyles she considered inappropriate should have their heads shaved.- Ends