In a disturbing incident that has sparked public outrage, a Dalit student from the Arundhathiyar community in Tamil Nadu was forced to sit outside her classroom while taking her Class 8 exams simply because she was on her period. The incident took place at Swami Chidbhavananda Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Senguttaipalayam village, Kinathukadavu taluk, located in Tamil Nadu’s Coimbatore district.
The incident reportedly occurred on April 5, 2025, when the girl began menstruating during the exam period. Instead of providing her with support or privacy, the school authorities allegedly made her take her exam seated on the corridor floor outside the classroom. This humiliating treatment continued through her science and social science exams on April 7 and April 9 respectively.
It was only after the girl confided in her mother on the evening of April 7 that the matter came to light. The following day, her mother visited the school and found her daughter again sitting outside the classroom during the exam. She captured a video of the situation on her mobile phone, which quickly went viral on social media and sparked widespread condemnation.
Reacting to the incident, Coimbatore district officials have initiated a formal investigation. District Collector P.N. Giriyappanavar confirmed that the Coimbatore Rural Police are probing the matter, and the district’s Matriculation School Inspector has been asked to submit a detailed report. Authorities have promised strict action against those responsible.
Meanwhile, villagers and local residents are planning to file a formal complaint with the Pollachi Sub-Collector, demanding accountability and justice for the discriminatory act. They expressed deep anger over the school’s behavior, which they believe reflects ongoing caste-based and gender-based prejudice.
This shocking episode shines a harsh light on the lingering stigma around menstruation in Indian schools. It also highlights the urgent need for comprehensive education, empathy, and policy changes to ensure that menstruating students—especially those from marginalized communities—are treated with dignity and respect.
Publication Date: 11 April, 2025
Reports published in various newspapers on this issue: timesofindia
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