Brahmana Maha Sabha Protests 'Janivara' Removal During CET Exams

Members of the Brahmana Maha Sabha staged a protest march in Mangaluru on April 20, 2025, condemning the removal of 'janivara' (sacred thread) from Brahmin students during the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (CET). The incidents occurred on April 17 at examination centres in Shivamogga and Bidar, where students were reportedly forced to remove their sacred threads before entering the exam halls. This act has sparked outrage among the Brahmin community, leading to widespread protests across the state.

In response to the controversy, the Karnataka Examination Authority suspended the concerned officials involved in the incident. The Brahmana Maha Sabha has demanded a formal apology from the government and strict action against those responsible. The community views the removal of the 'janivara' as an infringement on their religious rights and a violation of their cultural identity. The protests have highlighted the need for greater sensitivity towards religious symbols in public institutions and have ignited a broader debate on religious freedom and respect in educational settings.