When it comes to progress, creating barriers through religion is always narrowing down our circles and creating chaos instead of peace, hatred in place of kindness. But one college in Kolkata is winning everyone’s heart for a small change they made in their online admission form.
Many people do not believe in established religions, but are forced to fill the options under the religion category like- Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Christianity or Buddhism and less relevant are clubbed as ‘others’. Not anymore!
For the first time, Bethune College in Kolkata has introduced ‘Humanity’ as an option, sending a strong message of communal harmony to students and that a person’s first identity is a human being.
Established in 1879, and formerly known as Hindu female school, Bethune college is the first women’s College in Asia accredited by NAAC-Grade A and is affiliated under Calcutta University and this year, their admission process kick-started from May 27.
Even though the principal of the college believes that there is no difference between humanity and religion, while speaking to Millennium Post, Mamata Ray says, “We have realized that some students are reluctant to mention their religion in the admission form. We appreciate their views as we feel that ‘Humanity’ is the true religion of mankind. So we have deliberately kept this category in the religion section. It was a unanimous decision on the part of our admission committee.”
This refreshing move which was brought in after discussing with the admission committee of the college has been welcomed by all students and is a relief to those who are skeptical or unwilling to make their religion on paper.
Apart from Bethune College, another renowned college in Kolkata, the Acharya Profile Chandra College also has a ‘Humanity’ option in their religion category.
Do you stand with this change? What’s your opinion?