In a significant development following a national controversy, Dr. Nusrat Parveen—the woman Ayush doctor whose hijab was removed by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar at a public event—is reportedly set to join her duties at Patna's Sadar Hospital.
According to her friend Bilqis and the principal of her former college, Mahfooz Rahman, she will assume her post on October 20.
This move comes weeks after a viral video from November 15 showed the Chief Minister pulling off Dr. Parveen's hijab with his hand while distributing appointment letters. The incident ignited a fierce debate on social media, drawing reactions from politicians, activists, and Bollywood celebrities alike.
From Viral Incident to Professional Commitment
The incident occurred at an event in Patna where Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was presenting appointment letters to Ayush doctors. In the widely circulated video, he is seen telling Dr. Parveen, "All the children are celebrating happily. You have your face covered, so who will see you? You should also celebrate by opening your face," before removing her hijab.
Following the backlash, reports had suggested that Dr. Parveen had left Bihar for her family's home in Kolkata. Her anticipated joining at Sadar Hospital indicates her return and commitment to her medical career in the state. Dr. Parveen was a student of Unani medicine at the Tibbi College in Patna's Kadam Kuan area, an institution renowned as a major center for Unani medicine, education, and healthcare services.
Celebrities and Social Media Condemn the Act
The hijab removal incident did not stay confined to political circles; it reverberated through the Indian entertainment industry. Actress and social media influencer Sana Khan expressed intense anger in a viral video, stating the act made her so furious she "felt like slapping twice." She criticized the officials seen laughing in the background of the video.
This sentiment was echoed earlier by actress Rakhi Sawant, who directly addressed CM Kumar in a video. While stating she was his fan, Sawant called the act wrong, noting that in Islam, touching a woman's veil is considered inappropriate. She had publicly asked the Chief Minister to apologize. Renowned lyricist and writer Javed Akhtar also condemned the act on social media platform X, arguing that regardless of one's views on the veil, such treatment of a woman cannot be justified.
A Classmate's Perspective and the Road Ahead
In the wake of the incident, Dr. Parveen's classmate provided insight into her character, describing her as someone who "always remained in purdah (veil) as you all saw there." When asked about the hijab incident, her classmate called it "wrong," firmly stating that "no one has the right to touch anyone's body, directly or indirectly".
The social and professional aftermath for Dr. Parveen highlights the intense scrutiny public figures face. Research indicates that societal pressures and a lack of supportive environments can significantly impact an individual's well-being and career trajectory. Her decision to join the hospital demonstrates resilience, turning a moment of public intrusion into a step forward in her professional journey.
Dr. Nusrat Parveen's story transcends a single viral moment. It touches on issues of personal agency, religious expression, and the dignity of women in public spaces. As she prepares to start her service at Sadar Hospital, the nation will be watching not just her, but how society upholds the respect and professional space due to every individual, regardless of gender or faith.
