Days after two dozen Kashmiri students studying at the College of Nursing, Government Chengalpattu Medical College, Tamil Nadu, were compelled to shave their beards, the state Health Minister, Ma Subramanian, clarified on Wednesday that the issue has been resolved. The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association has also confirmed this development.
Tamil Nadu State Health Minister Ma. Subramanian addressed a press conference on Wednesday in response to concerns raised by the J&K Students Association regarding the forcible shaving of beards of Kashmiri students in Tamil Nadu College. Addressing the media in Tamil Nadu, the State Health Minister informed that the issue has been resolved, and the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association thanked the state chief minister M.K Stalin for prompt intervention after the matter was resolved.
Following the concerns raised by the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association, the Minister stated that Additional Principal Secretary Gagandeep Singh conducted an inquiry with the principal, who confirmed that the issue has been resolved. Subramanian said there is a need for medical colleges to be cautious when issuing instructions to avoid misunderstandings. Medical colleges have been instructed to be cautious while issuing such instructions to avoid misunderstandings, Subramanian added.
“Students from Kashmir come here to study under the All-India Quota seats & PMSSS; nobody should interfere with their food habits, clothes, culture, tradition, and religion,” he added. The Tamil Nadu Health Minister stated that such incidents are not only shocking but deeply concerning. “Our constitution enshrines the principles of equality, freedom, and dignity for all individuals, irrespective of their religious or regional backgrounds. The right to personal appearance, including the choice to grow a beard, is a fundamental aspect of an individual’s freedom and identity. The college administration has apologized for this infringement,” he added.
The J&K Students Association has thanked the state Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, Health Minister Ma Subramanian, and Additional Chief Secretary Gagandeep Bedi for their help and prompt assistance in resolving this matter. Their unified action underscores the importance of advocating for fundamental freedoms and fostering inclusivity in educational institutions. The association also thanked other opposition leaders for their help and for raising the issue.
