South African Hindu: A teacher in South Africa allegedly cut the kalava from the wrist of a Hindu student, after which the members of the community condemned this ‘insensitive and irresponsible’ act. The incident occurred last week at Drakenceburg Secondary School in Quajulu-Natal province. The South African Hindu Mahasabha (SAHMS) has demanded action from the education authorities after the teacher was allegedly deducted from the Hindu student’s wrist.
The teacher claimed that the school did not allow cultural or religious symbols to wear. The organization said in a press statement on Sunday, ‘Sahms strongly condemns a teacher’s insensitive and irresponsible action to cut a Hindu student’s kalava. The incident occurred at Drekensburg Secondary School, where a teacher cut a religious art from a Hindu student’s wrist. The teacher claimed that the school was not allowed to wear religious or cultural symbols. The South African Hindu Mahasabha, considering it an example of religious intolerance, has demanded action on it.
Sahms response
The South African Hindu Mahasabha (SAHMS) issued a statement against the incident on Sunday and said that they were investigating the matter. However, the victim has refused to come out openly due to fear of further harassment, causing difficulty in investigation. SAHMS President Ashwin Trikamji discussed with the school administration and said that the principal of the school and the president of the governing body is a Hindu himself.
Religion case of religious intolerance
Trikamji mentioned an old case when the Supreme Court of South Africa gave a verdict in favor of a Hindu student. The student was prevented from wearing in the nose, but the court said that no person can be denied her religious or cultural practices.
Responsibility of Ministry of Education
Trikamji also convicted the Ministry of Education for the incident, as the Ministry has shown failure to provide clear guidelines to the schools of religious and cultural tolerance. Due to this insensitivity, the possibility of discriminatory events in schools has increased.
Possibility of religious conflict
According to sources, after this incident, the possibility of provoking religious conflict in the area has also increased. The South African constitution protects religious rights and prevents unfair discrimination, but such incidents can damage religious harmony.
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