Kashmiri Students in Karnataka Allege College Enforced Beard Trimming: Report

Kashmiri students at a Karnataka nursing college allege religious discrimination after being asked to trim their beards, sparking intervention from the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association. The college cites professionalism, while students hope for resolution without punitive action.

A group of Kashmiri students at a government nursing college in Karnataka’s Hassan district reported being asked by the college administration to trim or shave their beards to maintain a "professional look," according to a report by The Indian Express. The college, affiliated with Rajiv Gandhi University, allegedly warned students that failing to comply could result in being marked absent from classes.

The students argued that the grooming policy infringes on their religious and cultural rights, citing fears it may contribute to further discrimination, particularly during internal assessments and practical exams. In response, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association sent a letter to both the Karnataka and Jammu and Kashmir chief ministers, requesting intervention and an end to "discriminatory grooming standards."

Reacting to the controversy, College Principal Chandrashekar Hadapad defended the grooming standards, stating that a professional appearance aligns with the discipline required in the nursing profession. Hadapad also mentioned that some students faced attendance issues and were not consistently present for clinical activities.

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The students, enrolled under the prime minister's special scholarship scheme, hope for a resolution without punitive measures. This incident follows broader debates on religious expression in Karnataka, with policies like the hijab ban in educational institutions already sparking activism and legal challenges.