Controversy erupts as students in ayyappa attire barred from attending class

Hyderabad: A controversy has erupted over Pallavi International School allegedly preventing three students from entering the premises as they were wearing the Ayyappa deeksha attire on Tuesday morning.

According to their parents, their three were singled out and instructed to stand outside their respective classrooms. The parents were subsequently called to pick them up. The parents said the school’s action was a direct infringement on their fundamental right to religious expression.

"This wasn't even the first day that the students wore this religious attire, it was the fifth day today," the parent said. The parents said that being asked to choose between their children's education and their religious traditions was an unacceptable violation of their constitutional rights.

In response to these allegations, a representative of Pallavi International School stated that the matter was under discussion, and the school was working to find an amicable solution. The school's administration pointed out that the guidelines regarding dress code, including the prohibition of any attire outside the school uniform, were explicitly mentioned in the school's almanac.

The parents said they were never given any oral orientation regarding dress code regulations at the time of admission.

The incident has quickly gained traction on social media, with netizens taking various stances. Some argued that the school's decision was consistent with the need for a uniform dress code, while others believed it was an encroachment on religious freedom.

One netizen, Prabhakar N., recalled his school days, stating, "Back when we were in school, we were not allowed to even go barefoot. It was the same with burqas; no student was allowed to attend classes with burqas or even mehendi."

Another netizen, Anath Goud, emphasised the importance of India's secular values, saying, "India's idea of secular is not 'exclusive' but inclusive; religious equality is about allowing all, not restricting all, like in France."