Rajasthan Teacher Suspended for Controversial Remarks Against Sindoor and Mangalsutra

The Rajasthan Education Department reportedly suspended a female teacher for advising tribal women to refrain from wearing sindoor and mangalsutra. This decision was made after her comments sparked controversy and backlash among the tribal community.

Officials confirmed on Thursday that Damor’s suspension was due to her violation of Rajasthan Conduct Rules and for allegedly tarnishing the reputation of the Education Department. The incident occurred during a large rally on July 19 at Mangarh Dham in Banswara, where Damor addressed tribal women, advising them to reject certain traditional Hindu practices.

Controversial Statements:

During her speech, Maneka Damor stated, “Tribal families do not apply sindoor, they do not wear Mangalsutra. Women and girls in tribal society should focus on education. From now on, stop observing all the fasts. We are not Hindus.”

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Her remarks were met with strong objections from the women in the tribal community, leading to widespread criticism.

Administrative Action:

The Joint Director of the Education Department responded to the backlash by suspending Damor. She is also known for her role as the founder of the Adivasi Parivar Sanstha and was serving at the Government Higher Secondary School in Saadaa at the time of the incident.

Community Reaction and Political Context:

The rally at Mangarh Dham, which drew thousands of attendees from tribal communities across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, became a platform for discussing broader socio-political issues. Alongside Damor’s controversial speech, a political resolution advocating for the creation of a Bhil state was also passed at the event.