A group of students from Jammu and Kashmir studying at Karnataka’s Government Nursing College in Holenarasipura, Hassan, alleged that the college administration asked them to trim or shave their beards.
The students claimed the college is enforcing “discriminatory grooming standards” that infringe on their cultural and religious rights.
The students argued that the policy is arbitrary and culturally insensitive.
In a letter submitted to the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association, the students claimed the college threatened to mark them absent from clinical activities unless they shave or trim their beards.
The students said this issue could lead to further discrimination, particularly 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,” read the letter.
The association wrote a letter regarding this issue to the Karnataka CM’s office.
Meanwhile, while justifying the policy, Chandrashekar, the college principal, said to Indian Express, “We have informed the students that maintaining a neat and professional appearance is essential, especially 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.”
