Media Release

Udupi, Apr 23: A major controversy has erupted across Karnataka following multiple incidents during the recent CET (Common Entrance Test) examinations, where students wearing the sacred thread (Janivara/Yajnopavita) were allegedly asked to remove it at several exam centres. The issue has triggered outrage from Brahmin organizations, who have termed these actions as religiously insensitive and inhumane.

In a press conference held in Udupi, Shrikant Upadhyaya, president, Udupi Taluk Brahmin Mahasabha said, “Multiple incidents have happened in Thirthalli of Shivamogga District, Bidar, Dharwad and Sagara. The sacred thread, or Brahmasutra, is a spiritual and cultural symbol of purity, discipline, and knowledge, and plays a vital role in the upbringing of Brahmin youth. These incidents, are unprecedented and raise questions about underlying intentions. There seems to be a growing atmosphere of hostility towards the Brahmin community and Sanatana Dharma, If the government does not act now, these events may recur, threatening the social fabric of the nation."

The organizations questioned whether the CET exam regulations explicitly ban the sacred thread, and demanded transparency from the government.

The leaders also demanded that the students denied the exam must be allowed to reappear. Officials responsible for the misconduct should face strict disciplinary action. The government must ensure such incidents do not recur and uphold the cultural and religious rights of all communities equally.

"If these demands are not met, the peace-loving Brahmin community will be forced to take to the streets in protest,” warned Shrikant Upadhyaya, president of the Udupi Taluk Brahmin Mahasabha.

The press conference was attended by several prominent leaders including Shrikant Upadhyaya, president, Udupi Taluk Brahmin Mahasabha, Sandeep Kumar Manja, president, Udupi District Brahmin Mahasabha, Chandrakant Bhat, president, District Youth Brahmin Parishad, Jayaram Acharya, Tulu Shivalli Madhwa Mahamandali, Ganesh Hebbar, president, Udupi District Local Brahmin Society, A Ganesh, president, Koota Mahajagattu Udupi District, Panduranga Lagtankar, president, Karad Brahmin Society, Manjunath Hebbar, president, Federation of Udupi District Local Brahmin Communities, along with Jayaram Acharya, Manohar Rao, Krishnaraj Ballal, Srivatsa Acharya, Rajagopal Acharya, Hayavadana Bhat, and Janardhan Bhat.