Jammu and Kashmir students in Karnataka report that a nursing college asked them to shave their beards

 Jammu and Kashmir students in Karnataka report that a nursing college

Jammu and Kashmir Students in Karnataka Report Discrimination Over Beard Grooming in Nursing College

Bengaluru, Karnataka – A group of students from Jammu and Kashmir studying at a nursing college

in Karnataka have raised concerns after they were allegedly asked by college authorities to shave

their beards. This request has sparked a debate over cultural and religious freedom.

The students, who come from various ethnic and religious backgrounds in Jammu and Kashmir,

were reportedly told that the college's grooming policy does not allow facial hair for male students.

They claim that this policy was not communicated during the admission process.

Several students expressed their frustration, stating that the request to shave their beards infringes

on their personal and religious beliefs. One student, who wished to remain anonymous, said,

"In our culture, beards are considered an important part of our identity, and it is distressing to be

asked to remove it just to comply with the college rules."

The students have lodged a formal complaint with local authorities, seeking an investigation into the

matter. They argue that such practices amount to cultural discrimination and violate their rights to

religious expression. This issue has drawn the attention of various student groups and human rights

activists, who are advocating for respect for diversity and cultural differences within educational

institutions.

The nursing college, located in the heart of Bengaluru, has not yet issued an official statement regarding

the issue. However, sources within the college indicated that the institution adheres to a standard uniform

policy, including grooming guidelines that may have been miscommunicated or misunderstood.

Experts in the fields of education and human rights have raised concerns about the extent to which

educational institutions can impose grooming standards, particularly when they interfere with religious

freedoms. A legal expert on educational rights noted, "While institutions have the right to maintain

decorum and discipline, any policy that undermines an individual's personal beliefs needs to be

examined carefully."

As the controversy unfolds, students and activists are calling for greater sensitivity and awareness

regarding cultural practices in educational settings. This case has sparked a broader conversation

about the importance of accommodating diverse identities in the education system, especially in

a multicultural and pluralistic country like India.

The issue is currently under review, with both the students and the college awaiting further discussions

in hopes of reaching an amicable resolution.