London(IANS) : A Sikh teenager in South Wales has been temporarily barred from attending school after she refused to remove her kara — a bracelet worn for religious reasons.
Sarika Singh, 14, was first excluded Monday and then asked to leave classes for a fixed period Tuesday.
Aberdare Girls School has a strict uniform policy, which prevents students from wearing any kind of religious symbols, the Daily Mail reported.
Sarika’s mother Sinita met the school authorities and argued her daughter’s case with the board of governors but they refused to allow her to wear the kara.
The school does not allow Muslim girls to wear headscarves and all pupils are prevented from openly displaying their faith.
“It’s not jewellery. It’s part of our faith and symbol of our belief,” the mother said.
Now the family is seeking legal advice in an attempt to challenge the school’s decision.
The kara is one of the five essential symbols of Sikhism, known as the five Ks, which are worn at all times by devout Sikhs.
“It’s very important to me. It constantly reminds me to do good and not to do bad, especially with my hands,” Sarika said.
Sinita said she would do whatever it took to change the decision and pointed out that the family had the full support of the entire Sikh community.