Karnataka Chief Minister-designate and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar on Monday, 1 June extended greetings to students across the state on the commencement of the new academic year, urging them to draw inspiration from Karnataka's world-class institutions and carry forward a tradition of excellence in science, law, and public service. Shivakumar also declined to be drawn into the escalating hijab-saffron shawl controversy that has shadowed the school reopening.

Karnataka's Institutional Legacy

Addressing students and media in Bengaluru, Shivakumar highlighted the concentration of premier national institutions in the state. He specifically named the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and public sector giant Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) as institutions that define Karnataka's standing in India's knowledge economy.

'Students must carry forward this legacy. We are entering a new era shaped by technology and innovation. Artificial Intelligence has arrived, and in the coming days I will share my thoughts and plans regarding AI as well as the state's education policy on primary education,' Shivakumar said.

Message to Rural Students

Shivakumar made a pointed appeal to students from rural backgrounds, urging them not to feel disadvantaged compared to their urban peers. He cited the state's SSLC (Class 10) examination results as evidence of the quality of government school education.

'No student should lose confidence. Do not compare yourselves with others. Our teachers are capable, and the SSLC examination results are proof of the quality of education in our schools. We are committed to further improving the education system and giving it a new direction,' he said.

Hijab Row: Shivakumar Sidesteps

Reporters pressed Shivakumar on the state government's reported move to lift restrictions on religious symbols — including the hijab, tilak, kada, kalava, and holy ash — in schools, and the subsequent calls by some Hindu organisations for students to wear saffron shawls. The Chief Minister-designate declined to engage, deferring the discussion.

'We will discuss it later. Whether it is a saffron shawl or a Tricolour shawl, we will discuss it at the appropriate time. This is not the time to discuss the matter,' he said. The deflection is notable given that the hijab controversy had triggered prolonged unrest in Karnataka schools in 2022, and the incoming Congress government's reported policy shift has already drawn reactions from several quarters.

What's Next

Shivakumar confirmed that he and senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah were departing for New Delhi later the same day, declining further comment on political matters. He indicated that detailed plans on the state's AI integration and primary education policy would be shared in the coming days, signalling that education reform will be an early priority for the incoming administration.