School Disallows Student Entry for 'Tilak', MP Education Dept Asks Institution to Maintain Religious Harmony

The education department has instructed a private school in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, to uphold "religious harmony" following an incident involving a student and a tilak (a religious mark on the forehead with vermilion), according to an official statement on Sunday. The incident gained widespread attention after a video circulated on social media, showing the student outside Shree Bal Vigyan Shishu Vihar Higher Secondary School, claiming that he was denied entry due to his tilak.

Additionally, the student alleged that the school authorities threatened to issue him a transfer certificate if he persisted in wearing the tilak. Another video depicted individuals questioning the school authorities on their decision to prevent someone from entering an educational institution solely because of their tilak. In the video, a female teacher can be heard stating that the school operates on the principles of "sarva dharma sambhaav" (equality and harmony among all religions). On Sunday, District Education Officer (DEO) Manglesh Kumar Vyas informed reporters that he had addressed the matter with the school principal.

Vyas stated, "The school principal informed me that some individuals are unnecessarily amplifying this issue. Nevertheless, he expressed remorse and stated that he would arrange a meeting with the parents to resolve the matter." Vyas further added, "The school administration has been instructed to promote harmony among all religions within the institution. While maintaining discipline in schools, students may be required to wear a uniform. However, if a student chooses to wear a tilak on their birthday, after worship, or during any special occasion, they cannot be asked to remove it."