Daijiworld Media Network – Karkala

Karkala, Nov 17: A physical education teacher at the Morarji Desai Residential School in Miyyar was dismissed on Sunday after he allegedly forced students to remove their janivara (sacred thread) and wrist threads, triggering strong resentment among parents and locals, who warned that such actions could “create cracks between communities”.

The teacher, identified as Madarsa S Makandar, originally from Kalaburagi, had joined the institution as a guest physical education instructor in June 2025.

According to parents and students, Makandar routinely subjected children to harsh punishments, including 200 sit-ups, and instructed several boys to remove their janivara and the sacred wrist threads they wore as part of their religious practice.

Parents alleged that this was not an isolated instance. “He had been warned several times earlier but continued the same behaviour,” they said after gathering at the school in protest. Acting on the anger and complaints of the parents, the school principal relieved Makandar of his duties with immediate effect.

Local residents emphasised that the Miyyar Morarji Desai Residential School has a strong academic record and hosts students from various regions and communities. They expressed concern that the teacher’s conduct risked disturbing the religious harmony that the area has long maintained.

“One religion’s sacred symbol cannot be treated lightly. Forcing students to remove the janivara is deeply hurtful,” locals said. “When we questioned him, he casually said he didn’t even know what a janivara was. That is not acceptable.”

Villagers added that Miyyar has long been known for peaceful coexistence among all communities. “We are people of different faiths living with mutual respect. Behaviour like this will only create divisions. Such incidents must never happen again,” they said.