‘Social scrutiny fast-tracking student migration’

A growing number of students from Kerala are migrating not just for education and employment, but reportedly to escape social surveillance, moral policing, and rigid forms of cultural enforcement in the State.

Many desire to distance themselves from close-knit community scrutiny to live without specific expectations or the fear of intimidation. “In my hometown, there is always a sense of being watched. People have opinions about what you study, where you go, and even what you wear. That is why I chose to move after completing Plus Two,” says Athira Vinu, a degree student in Bengaluru.