Eight-year-old Hindu student forced to change London school over tilak

An eight-year-old Hindu boy was forced to change schools after allegedly facing religious discrimination for wearing a tilak at a primary school in London, as per Insight UK—an organisation representing British Hindu and Indian communities.

Staff at Vicar’s Green Primary School allegedly pressured a child to explain his religious practices and traditions multiple times because he wore a tilak, a sacred Hindu symbol, on his forehead.

It was further alleged that the school’s head teacher closely monitored the child during playtime, in a manner the student found intimidating.

The organisation stated that constant scrutiny and pressure led the child to withdraw from social interactions, stop playing with classmates, and become more isolated.

It further alleged that the pupil was stripped of positions of responsibility at the school because of his religious beliefs and customs, which, it said, had a serious impact on the child’s mental well-being.

The child’s parents, along with other Hindu parents, are said to have made repeated attempts to explain the religious and cultural significance of the tilak to school authorities. However, the organisation claimed that their concerns were not addressed by the school administration.

“No child should feel under surveillance or isolated because of their religion,” Insight UK spokesperson said. “Such experiences can have a deep and lasting negative impact on a child’s psychological health.”

It further stated that, if established, such action would amount to direct religious discrimination under the Equality Act 2010, which recognises religion as a protected characteristic.

The group further alleged that this was not the first incident at Vicars Green Primary School. At least four Hindu pupils have reportedly left the school in recent years due to what was described as an insensitive and discriminatory environment. The school has been accused of repeatedly questioning and rejecting Hindu customs and traditions instead of respecting them.

The school has not issued an official response to the allegations yet.