Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has assured the Jammu and Kashmir Students’ Association that no Kashmiri student will be forced to shave their beard in nursing or medical colleges, emphasizing that their cultural and religious practices will be respected.
This follows an incident at the Government College of Nursing in Holenarasipur, where over 30 Kashmiri students were reportedly compelled to trim or shave their beards, with college authorities citing hygiene standards for clinical duties.
In response to the controversy, the Chief Minister’s Office, along with Principal Secretary for Medical Education, Mohammad Mohsin, assured that strict action would be taken against the officials involved. A show-cause notice has been issued to the Dean and Director of the Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences, where the incident occurred, and the college principal has been formally warned. The medical education authorities have directed that any future incidents of this nature be addressed immediately.
The students, who had refused to trim their beards as part of their cultural and religious practice, feared academic penalties. They were allegedly marked absent for their clinical duties. The matter was escalated to the Chief Minister’s office by the Jammu and Kashmir Students’ Association, prompting swift intervention. Students have since provided written statements confirming that the issue has been resolved amicably.
The association commended the Karnataka government’s quick action, highlighting its commitment to justice, equality, and inclusivity. The government’s intervention sets a positive precedent for educational institutions across the country, ensuring students can uphold their personal beliefs and cultural identity without discrimination.
