GURUGRAM: As many as 18 Muslim girls of the Meo community, which has been a socio-economically underprivileged group in the Mewat region with many parents unable to send their children to school, will be participating in a one-week state-level badminton competition to be organised by Haryana Badminton Association from November 1. TOI spoke with some of these girls who are students of Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Ghasera, Mewat.Back in the late 1980s, there was not a single Meo-run school and there were hardly a dozen or so Meo girls in government-run schools throughout the region, with many local ulemas (Muslim clerics), mostly affiliated to the Tablighi Jamaat, condemning “modern” schools as dens of irreligiousness and licentiousness, insisting that Meos should send their children only to madrasas.The literacy rate among the Meo children, especially girls, has been abysmally low. However, a few villagers and local functionaries have started initiatives and awareness drives to help create a conducive atmosphere for these girls to study. They have also made efforts to reduce the number of drop-outs, engage them in sports activities and protect them from other forms of discrimination.Today, dozens of “modern” schools run by Meos have mushroomed all over Mewat with their girls enrolling in these schools as well as government-run schools in rapidly increasing numbers and many ulemas are now promoting this kind of education.Tasleema, a 12-year-old girl and Class 6 student, who is part of the badminton team, said, “My parents enrolled me into a school so that I can become educated. I have five sisters, who are also studying. Reading books has given me confidence to take decisions.” She has been playing badminton for the past two years.Pinki, a 14-year-old girl and Class 9 student, said, “My father is a mason but I see my life changing with badminton. Every day, we practice for two hours. Playing has given me confidence to face people.” Her inspiration is PV Sindhu and she plans to be the first player from the region to represent India overseas.The girls practise in their school ground but desperately want an indoor court. Sadia, a 14-year-old girl and Class 9 student, said, “We want an indoor court as soon as possible because currently, we practise outdoors and it hampers our game.”The team’s coach played a major role in convincing parents that they should send their kids for badminton practice. Coach Mohd Waseem Khan said, “It took time to assure parents that the school would not contradict their customs and religion. Girls can wear hijab and play badminton. The major issue was girls travelling outside the district but after a little effort from my side, parents were willing to send their kids because I am a local too.”The girls are also part of a sports development programme initiated as a CSR initiative under which they get support to buy equipment. Mufeed Ahmed, programme-in-charge, said, “Project ‘Sports For Development’ is being run in 23 government schools in 17 villages of Nuh block of Mewat district, covering 5,000 students.”

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