HASSAN: A controversy has erupted at the Government College of Nursing at Holenarasipur in Hassan district after Muslim students of the college were allegedly asked to shave their beards as part of college discipline. The 13 students are from Jammu and Kashmir and are pursuing nursing courses at the college in Holenarsipur town.
The college administration reportedly asked the students to shave their beards and follow the college’s rules and maintain discipline, which the students refused, citing their religious beliefs. The students have sought the intervention of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association.
The students, who are studying under the PMSS (Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Scheme), have expressed dismay over the college principal’s oral order. They claim it’s their right to sport a beard as per their tradition in the community.
The principal held a talk with the students before the situation got out of hand. The dispute has now been resolved after the college management consented to allow the students to maintain their beards.
A student, Umar, said, “The principal asked us to shave our beards and wear uniforms. We told him it’s a sensitive issue. We’re here for studies, not to create trouble. We’re not wearing dirty clothes, and our rooms are clean. We follow discipline and come to college with trim beards. The principal reportedly held talks with the students, and all problems were solved, we don’t want make a big issue out of it. We have also spoken to the Jammu Kashmir Student Association. We are safe here. This will not happen again. We said we would contact them again. There is no dispute; it has been resolved peacefully.”