Tensions flared up in Karnataka’s Shivamogga city. This comes after reports emerged that second-year PU students were allegedly forced to remove their Janivara (sacred thread) before entering the CET examination.
The incident took place on April 16, at the centre in Aadichunchanagiri Independent PU College. According to reports, the security staff at the centre reportedly insisted on the removal of not only Janivara but also Kashi Dara (a sacred wrist thread). Meanwhile the incident has sparked widespread anger within the Brahmin community.
Community Leaders Demand Action
However, tensions escalated after a delegation led by former MLA K.B. Prasanna Kumar met Deputy Commissioner Gurudatta Hegde. The delegation demanded an immediate investigation into the alleged incident.
According to Prasanna Kumar, three students were asked to remove their sacred threads. One of the students allegedly refused to remove the thread and was allowed entry in the exam room.
However, there were other few students who complied under pressure, had their sacred threads removed and discarded into a dustbin. “Such acts are deeply hurtful and show a lack of cultural sensitivity,” said Kumar.
Prasanna Kumar’s statement
“Of the three students, who were asked to remove their ‘Janivara’ by the security at the entrance of the centre, one opposed it and he was allowed to enter the examination hall without removing it. The others who did not resist were made to remove it. It is unfortunate that the security staff threw ‘Janivara’ into a dustbin. We strongly condemn this and demand disciplinary action against the staff. Besides, such incidents must not repeat in the future”. Kumar said while talking to the media reporters.
District Commissioner Responds
Reacting to the incident, the Deputy Commissioner Hegde assured the delegation that the matter would be examined thoroughly. He also clarified that staff were instructed only to check for electronic devices. He further said, “in this case Janivara may have been wrongly categorized under banned items”.
Calls of Religious Discrimination
Following the uproar the members of the Akhila Karnataka Brahmana Mahasabha and the Federation of Vipra Organisations condemned the incident. They called it “anti-Brahmin” and “anti-Hindu.” They further emphasised the significance of the Janivara in Brahmin culture, symbolising spiritual commitment and a rite of passage.
The organisation also explained that for students preparing for a pivotal exam the thread holds a lot of blessings and belief. But, the act of being forced to remove it was not just disrespectful but also discriminatory.
What is Janivara?
Janivara, also known as Janeu or Yajnopaveetham, is a sacred thread worn by Hindus, particularly Brahmins, Vaishyas, and Kshatriyas, after the Upanayana ceremony. It is a symbol of spiritual initiation and a reminder of the wearer’s responsibilities and duties.
The Janivara represents spiritual identity and is a mark of commitment to their religious values and beliefs. It signifies not only a passage into the realm of wisdom and knowledge but also loyalty to the traditions passed down through generations.
Public Reaction Highlights Discontent
Meanwhile the recent incident has since gone viral. Many are questioning the rationale behind banning a non-metallic, non-visible thread. Social media users and netizens slammed the incident as discriminatory and disruptive to students’ mental state during a critical examination.
Well, this is not the first such case. In a separate but related case, recently a student in Bidar was reportedly barred from writing his CET exam for refusing to remove his Janivara. This incident also compounded concerns over inconsistent and insensitive enforcement of rules.
