Controversy in Karnataka: Student Denied CET Exam Over Religious Thread Sparks Outrage
A recent incident at a CET exam centre in Bidar, Karnataka, has sparked controversy and public outrage, raising questions about religious rights, exam protocols, and administrative accountability. On April 17, Suchivrat Kulkarni, a student from Karnataka, was reportedly denied entry to the Karnataka Undergraduate Common Entrance Test (UGCET) for refusing to remove his Janivara, also known as Janeu—a sacred thread traditionally worn by Hindu men as a symbol of their religious identity.
Kulkarni, who was scheduled to appear for the Mathematics paper, claimed that officials at Sai Spoorthi Pre-University College, the exam centre, insisted that he remove or cut the sacred thread before entering the hall. Despite pleading with staff for over 45 minutes, he was ultimately turned away, unable to sit for the crucial exam. This not only dashed his immediate academic aspirations but also sparked a wider debate on religious freedom and exam conduct rules.
The incident quickly gained traction after Kulkarni shared his ordeal with news agencies, prompting swift action from the Bidar district administration. In response, Deputy Commissioner of Bidar ordered the suspension of the college principal, Dr. Chandra Shekar Biradar, and a staff member, Satish Pawar. The decision was later ratified in an emergency meeting held by the Sai Deepa Education and Charitable Trust, which oversees the institution.
The student's mother, Neeta Kulkarni, also voiced her frustration and heartbreak over the incident. She accused the authorities of religious discrimination and appealed to the state government for justice. She urged officials to either conduct a re-examination or ensure her son is admitted to a government college with appropriate financial support.
This controversy has reignited discussions about the need to balance security protocols at exam centres with respect for religious practices. While standard operating procedures often require removal of certain items for preventing unfair means, the question arises—should religious symbols be treated the same as potential cheating tools?
The state government has yet to issue a definitive resolution, but public opinion remains divided. Many are calling for more sensitivity and clarity in exam guidelines to prevent such incidents in the future. Meanwhile, the student’s demand for a re-exam or alternative academic opportunity hangs in the balance, with many watching closely to see how the authorities respond.
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