Impact of Lalpura’s Efforts: Sikh students allowed to wear religious articles in exams, Rajasthan Government takes historic step
Bahadurjeet Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ Rupnagar,July 30,2025
Taking a significant step towards protecting religious freedom and constitutional rights in India, the Rajasthan government has now allowed Sikh students to wear their religious articles of faith in examination centers. This decision comes in the wake of a recent incident where a Sikh student, Gurpreet Kaur, was denied entry to an exam due to wearing her Kakars.
The move is being widely credited to the consistent and determined efforts of Iqbal Singh Lalpura, former Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities and a member of the BJP Parliamentary Board. Following the incident, Lalpura promptly wrote letters to the Governor of Rajasthan and the Union Law Minister of India, urging immediate intervention.
In his letter, Lalpura emphasized that the five Kakars—Kara (steel bracelet), Kirpan (ceremonial sword), Kanga (comb), Kachera (specific undergarment), and Kesh (uncut hair)—are sacred mandates of the Sikh faith as prescribed by the Gurus, and therefore, cannot be compromised. He further pointed out that Article 25 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the right to freely practice one’s religion, and any restriction on these articles during exams or in public spaces is not only a violation of religious sentiments but also of constitutional principles.
Following Lalpura’s letters and public appeals, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma responded with urgency and empathy. The state government issued clear instructions to the education department ensuring that Sikh students are allowed to appear for examinations while wearing their religious articles.
Expressing satisfaction over the government’s decision, Lalpura stated, “This verdict is not just a relief for the Sikh community, but a powerful message for the entire nation—that the protection of religious freedom is paramount in India. I thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, and Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma for upholding justice and constitutional values.”
Sikh organizations and community leaders across the country have welcomed the decision and praised Iqbal Singh Lalpura for his bold and sensitive intervention in securing this important outcome.
