A Kashmiri Muslim medical student in Tamil Nadu has resigned from his postgraduate seat after allegedly being asked to shave his beard, citing discrimination based on his visible Muslim identity. The young doctor has now approached the National Medical Commission (NMC) to seek redress.
According to reports by Maktoob Media, the student, who had secured a seat in a Tamil Nadu government medical college, faced pressure from faculty and administrative officials to remove his beard, which he maintains for religious reasons. Feeling targeted for his faith, he chose to step down from his position rather than compromise on his religious identity.
The case drew national attention when Member of Parliament Asaduddin Owaisi voiced concern, stating that the incident reflects growing discomfort and intolerance toward visible markers of Muslim identity in professional spaces.
The doctor’s petition to the NMC argues that his beard does not hinder medical practice and that compelling him to shave it violates his right to religious freedom under Article 25 of the Indian Constitution. Activists have condemned the incident as part of a broader trend of Islamophobia in Indian institutions.
As the NMC takes up the case, many are watching to see whether institutional reforms will follow to better protect religious rights in academic and professional environments.
