A student in Rishikesh (Uttarakhand) was compelled by her teacher to wipe off the tilak worn on her forehead

Following protests by Hindu organisations the school principal issued an apology

Rishikesh (Uttarakhand) – Tensions arose when Hindu activists confronted the school administration after a Class 8 student was expelled from the classroom for having a tilak on her forehead. The situation was resolved after the principal assured that such incidents would not occur in the future.

Rishikesh (Uttarakhand): Teacher forces a girl student in school to erase the bindi on her forehead.

The Principal apologizes after Hindu organizations stage protest.

The education department should enforce discipline across all teaching institutions to ensure that no… pic.twitter.com/Uome0wmKo7

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) December 15, 2024

The teacher removed a Class 8 student from the classroom for wearing a tilak and instructed her to return only after wiping it off. The student complied but later informed her parents about the incident. The next day, the student’s family, accompanied by activists from the Rashtriya Hindu Shakti Sanghatana, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, and Bajrang Dal, confronted the school administration. The principal issued a written apology on behalf of the teacher, expressed regret for the incident, and assured that “such incidents will not happen in the future.”

Editorial Perspective

The education department must instil a strong sense of accountability to ensure such incidents are never repeated. Should parents and Hindu organisations be forced to protest every time, or will the authorities take proactive measures to uphold students’ dignity and rights ?