Bengaluru college ‘forces’ Kashmiri students to shave beards, sparks outrage

A group of students from Jammu and Kashmir studying in Karnataka under the Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Scheme (PMSSS) has raised concerns over the college administration’s request for them to shave or trim their beards. The students, enrolled at the Government Nursing College in Holenarasipura, Hassan, which is affiliated with Rajiv Gandhi University, say the college is enforcing discriminatory grooming standards that violate their cultural and religious rights.

In a letter submitted to the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA), the students stated that the college threatened to mark them absent from clinical activities unless they complied with the grooming rules. The students believe the policy is arbitrary and culturally insensitive, potentially leading to further discrimination, especially during internal assessments and practical examinations.

“We hope that this matter can be resolved without any further pressure or punitive action from the college administration,” the students wrote, asking the JKSA to advocate on their behalf.

Chandrashekar Hadapad, the principal of the college, acknowledged the instructions but clarified that the college only asked students to trim their beards, not to shave them completely. “Maintaining a neat and professional appearance is essential, especially in a field like nursing where discipline is critical,” Hadapad said. He explained that the college had emphasized basic grooming standards for a professional environment, adding that students had attendance issues and were irregular for clinical activities.

The college currently has 14 students from Jammu and Kashmir. In response to the issue, the JKSA has written to the Chief Ministers of both Karnataka and Jammu & Kashmir.

Nasir Khuehami, national convenor of the JKSA, told The Indian Express, “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.”

Government officials revealed that the principal had been issued a show-cause notice regarding the issue. “The dean has already warned the principal and instructed them not to escalate the matter,” said a government official.