Karnataka: Kashmiri Students From Nursing College Told To 'Shave Beard'

Nursing students from Jammu and Kashmir studying in Karnataka allege discrimination by college over religious grooming standards.

Kashmiri students studying at a nursing college in Karnataka alleged discrimination by college over religious grooming standards.

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A group of nursing students from Jammu and Kashmir studying in Karnataka under the Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Scheme (PMSSS) have alleged that the college administration asked them to trim or shave their beards. 

The students from the Government Nursing College, Holenarasipura, Hassan have written to the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association claiming the college is enforcing “discriminatory grooming standards” that infringe on their cultural and religious rights, reported The Indian Express.

In the letter, the students claimed they were threatened that they would be marked absent from clinical activities unless they shaved or trimmed their beards. 

The students argued that the policy is arbitrary and culturally insensitive. They also cast suspicion that the issue could further lead to discrimination, particularly during internal assessments and practical examinations.

They requested the association take the matter on their behalf.  “We hope that this matter can be resolved without any further pressure or punitive action from the college administration,” the letter read. 

Acknowledging the matter, college principal Chandrashekhar said that the students were informed that a neat and professional appearance is essential in a field like nursing where discipline is critical.

"We only asked them to keep their beard trimmed; we did not impose any requirement to shave completely. We understand that it is part of their custom," the principal said. 

He further admitted that teachers asked them not to come for clinical duties if they did not maintain a professional appearance. "We have just asked them to follow the disciplinary standards expected of nursing students," he said. 

"While we understand there may be cultural sensitivities, we only asked them for basic grooming to maintain a professional environment. Moreover, the students have a shortage in attendance and are not regular for clinical activities," he added. 

Nasir Khuehami, national convenor for the J&K Students Association told the Indian Express that they will also write to  Jammu and Kashmir government about the matter. The association has already written a letter to the Karnataka Chief Minister's office. 

“No student should be forced to compromise their beliefs and identity to access education. Forcing Kashmiri students to shave their beards not only infringes on personal freedom but goes against the spirit of inclusivity in Karnataka’s educational institutions,” Khuehami said.

Meanwhile, the principal has been issued a show-cause notice, medical education department officials told The Indian Express. “The dean has warned the principal already and asked them (college authorities) not to escalate the matter,” a government official said.