Sacred Thread Row Sparks Protests at NEET Centre in Kalaburagi

A controversy unfolded in Kalaburagi on Sunday after a NEET aspirant was allegedly instructed to remove his janivara (sacred thread) before entering the examination hall. The candidate, Sripad Patil, had travelled from Basavakalyan to write the competitive medical entrance test.

Upon reaching the centre, he was reportedly halted by exam officials and asked to take off his religious thread as a precondition to appear for the test. Sources confirmed that Patil complied with the instruction, though the incident quickly gained public attention.

This follows closely on the heels of similar episodes during April’s K-CET, where candidates were also directed to remove sacred threads, leading to an uproar within the Brahmin community. Sunday’s incident further fuelled tensions.

Outraged by what they see as growing insensitivity towards religious customs, members of the Brahmin community assembled at Anand Hotel Circle in Kalaburagi. They voiced concerns about the disregard for their spiritual traditions, stating that religious markers like the janivara carry profound meaning and should be respected.

Community leaders demanded that authorities establish clear and respectful guidelines around religious symbols during high-stakes exams. They urged officials to strike a balance between maintaining exam integrity and honouring religious beliefs.

Several organisations submitted a formal petition to the district administration, calling for corrective measures. Meanwhile, education department representatives stated they would revisit existing protocols to prevent further discontent and ensure culturally sensitive practices.

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