Rajasthan Teacher Suspended For Advising Tribal Women Not To Apply Sindoor, Wear Mangalsutra

Jaipur: The Rajasthan Education Department has suspended Maneka Damor, a teacher, for advising tribal women not to apply sindoor or wear mangalsutras. Officials confirmed that this action was taken due to her violation of the Rajasthan Conduct Rules and tarnishing the Education Department's image.

At a large rally on July 19 at Mangarh Dham in Banswara, Ms. Damor stated that tribal women should disregard the customs suggested by Pandits. 

She asserted, "Tribal families do not apply sindoor, they do not wear mangalsutras. Women and girls of the tribal society should focus on education. From now on, stop observing all the fasts. We are not Hindus."

Her comments led to objections from the tribal community. Consequently, the Joint Director of the Education Department suspended Ms. Damor for her statements.

Ms. Damor, who is also the founder of the Adivasi Parivar Sanstha, is currently posted at the Government Higher Secondary School in Saadaa.

The rally, attended by thousands from tribal communities across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, also saw the passage of a political resolution calling for the creation of a Bhil state.