‘Bharatanatyam dancer’, Zakir Hussain who was recently appointed by the DMK government as an advisor for 17 district music schools, has been accused of sexual harassment by a government music school teacher.
In a letter written to the head of the Department of Arts & Culture of the Tamil Nadu Government, the teacher she mentions that Zakir Hussain who was on a visit to the Karur District Government Music School had sexually harassed her and that she had suicidal thoughts because of the trauma.
“I belong to a traditional music family. I am working in Karur District Government Music School. On February 28, art advisor Zakir Hussain visited our school for inspection. He spoke insultingly to me in front of other staff and students. Then, he asked me to come alone to the ‘headmaster room’ and closed the door.”, she wrote in the letter.
“He put his hand on my shoulder, wrapped his arms around my waist, and misbehaved with me. This incident has caused a great deal of stress.”, the woman teacher had reportedly written in the letter.
Zakir Hussain also made insinuating remarks saying that he was organizing a 3-day workshop wanted to ‘train’ her during that time.
“I opened the door immediately after that and exited. The incident was traumatic. I had suicidal thoughts after that. I am only mentioning whatever can be penned down in this letter to you.”, the woman staff wrote hinting that the sexual harassment charge is even more serious.
“I hope that action on this issue will provide protection to female teachers in the years to come, ”she said in the letter.
Earlier, during a visit to the Sivagangai District Music School, a complaint was lodged alleging that Zakir Hussain had abused a woman teacher.
Commenting on the incident, Gandhi, the Director of the Tamil Nadu Arts and Culture Department said that a complaint letter from the Karur District Music School teacher has been received and an investigation is underway.
The association of Tamil Nadu Arts & Culture Department Teachers and Staff were quoted saying in a report that many women teachers from different music schools across the state have accused Zakir Hussain of indulging in sexual talks and harassment. They association also expressed concerns over Zakir Hussain’s 3-day ‘women-only’ dance workshop and has asked Chief Minister MK Stalin to intervene in the matter.
Zakir Hussain, who is said to be a ‘Bharatanatyam Dancer’, is a card-carrying member of the DMK who had joined the party in January 2021.
He came under the spotlight when it was widely reported in the media that he was prevented from entering the Srirangam Ranganathar Temple. However, he himself in an interview to a YouTube channel had claimed that he has been going to the temple for many years and was never denied entry.
Following the episode, he was appointed as an advisor for the 17 district music schools under the Tamil Nadu government in January 2022.
(With inputs from Dinamalar)
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