SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, May 16: The Sikh Welfare Society of Jharkhand is on boil after a Sikh student was allegedly denied entry into the examination hall carrying a Kirpan (sword).
The incident happened at Saraswati Vidya Mandir Dugdha in Bokaro district on May 13.
DAV School Dugdha student Karandeep Singh had his class 10th final examination centre at Saraswati Vidya Mandir. During checking, he was found carrying a Kirpan in his pocket.
He was then stopped from entering the hall and teachers allegedly told him that he would be allowed only after laying down the Kirpan. Finally, Karandeep Singh had to lay it down and then he was allowed to enter.
After getting information, the Sikh Welfare Society took the matter seriously and has written a letter to PMO seeking action against the school and its principal through HRD as well as CBSE saying that the sentiments of the Sikh community have been hurt by it.
Jharkhand Welfare Society has said that as per Sikhism beliefs and practices, a Sikh can’t keep aside the five ‘Kakar’ from the body. It is not only a symbol of religion but also mandatory for a Sikh. Everyone in the country knows it.
“But it seems that the principal and school administration intentionally hurt the sentiment of the Sikh student which is not only an insult to the Sikh Panth but also a violation of the fundamental rights of the constitution,” said Sewa Singh, president of Sikh Welfare Society Jharkhand.
He further said that thousands of Sikh students appear in civil administrative examinations, competitive examinations, and school and college examinations but never objected to carrying Kirpan. Even in past, Saraswati Vidya Mandir did not object.
Sewa Singh said that Sikhs are well-known for sacrificing their lives for the protection of their principles. But ignorance of Saraswati Vidya Mandir about five Kakar is surprising.
“It is a serious matter. Sikh Welfare Society would wait for a response from PMO and do the needful for protection of Sikh Panths,” he said.
Meanwhile, the principal of Saraswati Vidya Mandir, Dugdha was not available on the telephone for his comment on the incident.
