In pics: Co-ed madrasas in Chandigarh send a message of equality, secularism

Feb 09, 2018 10:55 IST

Contrary to the popular practice of same-sex classes after primary school, the madrasas in Chandigarh encourage girls to sit alongside boys to learn mathematics, sciences, Punjabi, Hindi, besides the Quran of course. (Ravi Kumar/HT)

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Contrary to the popular practice of same-sex classes after primary school, the madrasas in Chandigarh encourage girls to sit alongside boys to learn mathematics, sciences, Punjabi, Hindi, besides the Quran of course. (Ravi Kumar/HT)

More than 950 students study in the three madrasas, including Madrasa Eizahal-Uloom Mujahidi, Manimajra, Madrasa Shirajul-uloom, Govindpura, and Arobia Faizal Islam. (Ravi Kumar/HT)

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More than 950 students study in the three madrasas, including Madrasa Eizahal-Uloom Mujahidi, Manimajra, Madrasa Shirajul-uloom, Govindpura, and Arobia Faizal Islam. (Ravi Kumar/HT)

They also welcome people from all religions. That explains why 10 students and 50% of the teachers here are non-Muslims. (Ravi Kumar/HT)

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They also welcome people from all religions. That explains why 10 students and 50% of the teachers here are non-Muslims. (Ravi Kumar/HT)

The age for admission here is six. (Ravi Kumar/HT)

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The age for admission here is six. (Ravi Kumar/HT)

Regardless of the season, the students begin their day at 5 with a reading of Quran and namaaz, followed by exercises and breakfast. Then it is time for school, within the premises. (Ravi Kumar/HT)

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Regardless of the season, the students begin their day at 5 with a reading of Quran and namaaz, followed by exercises and breakfast. Then it is time for school, within the premises. (Ravi Kumar/HT)

Classes in the school are followed by a lunch break at 1 pm, followed by namaaz and half an hour of rest. After this, it’s time for Quran classes until evening. (Ravi Kumar/HT)

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Classes in the school are followed by a lunch break at 1 pm, followed by namaaz and half an hour of rest. After this, it’s time for Quran classes until evening. (Ravi Kumar/HT)

Besides accomplishing memorising the Quran, students aspire to become doctors and engineers. (Ravi Kumar/HT)

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Besides accomplishing memorising the Quran, students aspire to become doctors and engineers. (Ravi Kumar/HT)

Madrasas also offer computer lessons to students. (Ravi Kumar/HT)

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Madrasas also offer computer lessons to students. (Ravi Kumar/HT)

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