TRINIDAD, March 15, 2008: An order to remove rakshas (sacred threads) from the wrists of Hindu pupils at the Cunupia High School has provoked the wrath of the Hindu Students Council of Trinidad and Tobago (HCSTT). Earlier this week the school refused entry to those pupils wearing the rakshas, which is tied on by a Hindu priest during a religious service.
The Ministry of Education has apologized for the incident.
Secretary of the Council Reena Teelucksingh said: “We are faced today with a society in which crime is rampant and the youths are moving away from religion. Shouldn’t we support their pride in their religion, morals and values?” She described as “ridiculous and utter rubbish” for anyone to say that a raksha is worn just for style, especially in this time of “hundred dollar jerseys and thousand dollar shoes.”
Teelucksingh said, “to force these pupils to take off the thread is to show the highest disrespect and disregard for the Hindu religion.”