Sacred Thread Row: CET Entry Denial Sparks Uproar in Karnataka
Udupi: A major controversy has erupted after a student was reportedly barred from appearing for the CET Mathematics exam at Sai Spoorthy College, Bidar, for wearing a ‘janivara’ (sacred thread). The incident, which occurred last Thursday, has drawn sharp reactions from religious leaders and political figures.
Udupi Palimar Mutt Seer Vidyadheesha Tirtha, in a video message, condemned the act as discriminatory and urged the government to arrange a re-test, warning that the student should not be made to lose a year over what he termed an unjust action. “Had this happened to a student of another community, it would have triggered national uproar,” he said, calling for such incidents to never be repeated.
Interestingly, the student was allowed to take the Biology paper later the same day while wearing the same sacred thread and had no issues during the Physics and Chemistry exams held earlier at the same centre.
Raghaveshwara Bharati, Seer of Ramachandrapura Mutt, also expressed concern, pointing out a similar incident in Shivamogga. He alleged a targeted bias against a specific caste and called for societal unity to challenge such acts.
Mohana Bhaskara Hegde, president of Havyaka Mahamandala in Gokarna, demanded the government to ensure alternative testing opportunities for students impacted by such issues.
Joining the criticism, Mangaluru City North MLA Y. Bharat Shetty accused the Congress-led government of humiliating Hindus and called for a unified protest across the community.
The incident has sparked widespread backlash with calls for action against responsible officials and stronger guidelines to safeguard students’ rights during exams.
Read Also: