Palimar Seer condemn denial of CET entry over ’Janivara’; Demand retest for affected student

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi/Mangaluru, April 20, 2025: Udupi Palimar Mutt Seer Vidyadheesha Tirtha has urged the government to arrange a re-test for a student denied entry to the Common Entrance Test (CET) at Sai Spoorthy College in Bidar city for wearing a ‘janivara’ (sacred thread). The incident occurred on Thursday during the Mathematics paper.

In a video statement released on Saturday, the seer stated that failing to allow the student to reappear for the test would force him to lose a year. Condemning the incident, he remarked, "If such discrimination were directed towards a student from another community, it would have sparked nationwide outrage."

Calling the incident an injustice, the seer stressed that such occurrences should not be repeated and warned of protests if they recur. Interestingly, the student was permitted to appear for the Biology paper in the afternoon session on Thursday while wearing the sacred thread and had faced no issues during the Physics and Chemistry exams held the previous day at the same centre.

Raghaveshwara Bharati, the seer of Ramachandrapura Mutt in Hosanagara, also expressed regret over the incident, including a similar case in Shivamogga. “The entire society should protest such discriminatory acts,” he said, adding that there appears to be a deliberate attempt to target a specific caste.

Highlighting that individuals from other communities also wear the ‘janivara,’ the seer called for unity among Brahmins to fight such incidents. “It is cruel to deny entry to students already under pressure for an important test,” he said.

Mohana Bhaskara Hegde, president of Havyaka Mahamandala in Gokarna, called on the government to ensure alternative arrangements for affected students. “Protecting their future is imperative,” he said, condemning the incidents.

Mangaluru City North MLA Y. Bharat Shetty also criticized the incident, accusing the Congress government of suppressing and humiliating Hindus. “This is not just an issue for Brahmins but the entire Hindu community, which must unite in protest,” he said in a statement.

The incident has sparked widespread criticism, with demands for action against officials responsible and measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.