Tilak Ban at Pune School Sparks Strong Protest by Hindutva Groups Against Ambedkarite Headmaster.

Row in Pune School as Hindutva Activists Confront Ambedkarite Headmaster Over Tilak Ban on Students.

Hridya Bharti | HENB | Pune | March 6, 2026:: A controversy has emerged at the Pune District Education Board’s New English School in Nhavi village, Pune, after allegations surfaced that students wearing tilaks on their foreheads were prevented from attending classes. The incident has drawn the attention of several Hindutva organizations, which have demanded clarification from the school administration.

Allegations Against School Administration

According to reports, some students arrived at school with tilaks—a traditional religious mark applied on the forehead in many Hindu customs. It is alleged that they were either stopped from entering classes or asked to remove the tilak.

The school’s headmaster, S. N. Kamble, has been accused by some activists of imposing restrictions on religious symbols. The issue quickly escalated when members of Shiv Pratishthan and other Hindutva groups, including activist Dharkari, arrived at the school seeking an explanation from the head master.

Activists questioned the administration about why students were allegedly prevented from wearing tilaks and why some were reportedly asked to remove them. Their visit reportedly led to heated exchanges and a tense situation on the school premises.

Protest and Accusations

Following the initial confrontation, several Hindutva activists staged protests outside the school, claiming that the incident amounted to a violation of students’ religious freedom.

Some protesters further alleged that students wearing tilaks were spoken to in derogatory terms, though these claims have not been independently verified. The controversy has also revived earlier criticisms against the headmaster, who, according to some activists, an Ambedkarite, had previously attempted to ban the celebration of Rakshabandhan.

Headmaster’s Clarification

In response to the allegations, Headmaster S. N. Kamble denied that the school had imposed any ban on religious symbols such as tilaks or bindis.

He explained that the school administration was only attempting to enforce a uniform dress code and maintain discipline among students. According to him, there was no policy targeting any particular religion or practice.

After discussions at the school, activists warned that they would launch stronger protests if similar incidents occurred again.

Education Department Steps In

The controversy has now reached the Education Department, which has taken cognizance of the matter and sought an explanation from the school administration.

Officials have asked the school to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident. In response, the administration reportedly assured authorities that the issue would be resolved through dialogue involving parents, school management, and education officials.

Similar Incidents in Maharashtra

Observers note that this is not the first time such a dispute has arisen in Maharashtra’s schools. In the past, there have been reports from other cities where students allegedly faced restrictions on wearing tilak, bindi, or Rakhi in school settings.

In some cases, municipal authorities issued notices to schools not to go harsh after complaints were filed by parents or community groups.

Critics believe that if there are such difficulties in following Sanatan culture in schools located in Hindu-majority and BJP-Shiv Sena ruled Maharashtra, then it is a matter of great misfortune and unsatisfactory.
…
_Agency Inputs.