After opposition, Silas School Revokes Ban on applying Mehendi during Eid
Udupi: After severe opposition from the Muslim community and various associations the Management of Silas International School Hanumanthanagar in the district allowed its students to apply Mehendi on the palm during the Ramadan festival.
The administration of the school has officially sent a message to the parents saying, “Dear Parents, Keeping the religious sentiments in mind the school Management has decided to allow applying Mehendi during festivals. For all other occasions, a written consent should be sought form the principal in order to uphold the rules and regulations of the school.
Earlier the school management had restricted its students, the traditional Indian practice of applying Mehendi on the palm during the Ramadan festival. Parents of students and various Muslim Associations objected the move of the school and alleged that the school management was hurting the religious sentiments. Now the parents and associations have welcomed the move taken by the management.
Who runs this school? Applying mehandi, wearing bindi, flowers and bangles – these are all Indian traditions. I don’t see why some of these self-hating groups ban local traditions. Agreed – every private institution has full rights to impose whatever rules they want. However, there should be a few commonsense accommodations to acknowledge local tradition. Oh well, I know it’s always a tough balancing act.