How a Tribal Teacher from Rajasthan, Suspended Over 'Sindoor-Mangalsutra' Controversy, Urges Girls to Prioritize Education Over Conservative Practices

Udaipur, Rajasthan- On July 24, Menka Damor, a secondary-grade teacher from Dungarpur, was suspended following her speech supporting the creation of ‘Bhil Pradesh’ during the Bhil Pradesh Cultural Rally held at Mangarh Dham on July 18.

Damor was stationed at the Government Higher Secondary School in Sadiya, located in the Simlawada Panchayat Committee, and has been reassigned to the headquarters office of the Block Education Officer - Dovada in Dungarpur district.

The official order cites violations of Rajasthan Conduct Rules and the degradation of the Education Department's image as grounds for her suspension and departmental investigation.

In an exclusive conversation with The Mooknayak, Damor clarified her stance on the controversy.

She stated, "I never forbade any woman from wearing sindoor or mangalsutra. My intention was to convey to the gathering that tribal people are not Hindus. Previously, tribal women did not wear sindoor or mangalsutra. I was unaware of this and wore them myself until 2016. Since joining Adiwasi Pariwar, I learned that these are not part of tribal culture, so I stopped wearing them."

Damor further explained that while she never opposed the worship of deities in schools, she criticized a recent incident where a group song about Bhil Pradesh led to the suspension of three teachers. She expressed that her comments were intended to highlight issues and not defame the department.

What Did Damor Say at the Mangarh Rally?

During the event on July 18, attended by representatives of the Bharat Adiwasi Party (BAP) and various tribal organizations, Damor, a founding member of the Adivasi Pariwar, stated, "I neither wear mangalsutra nor sindoor, and I don’t observe any vows. One who consumes jaggery cannot advise others against it. Our schools have become houses of deities with numerous festivals and events being celebrated. Schools are meant for education, not celebrations." She encouraged women and girls to focus on education, quoting Baba Saheb Ambedkar, "Education is like a lioness’s milk; whoever drinks it will roar."

Following her speech, several organizations demanded action against Damor, accusing her of tarnishing the image of the Education Department. They argued that her comments were inappropriate.

Teacher with an Ambedkarite Perspective

Menka Damor, a Sanskrit teacher, told The Mooknayak that her perspective changed after interacting with the Adiwasi Parivar group over the past 5-7 years. She mentioned that she used to follow Hindu rituals, wearing mangalsutra and sindoor and observing fasts. However, after learning about tribal culture and Supreme Court judgment of January 5, 2011, which recognized that tribals are not Hindus, she realized that imposing rituals on tribals was wrong. She now believes that education is the key to awakening tribal communities and enabling them to demand their rights.

Damor asserts that she never prohibited women from wearing sindoor or mangalsutra. She maintains that her speech, available in video excerpts, does not contain any offensive remarks. She argues that inspiring the tribal community, which lacks education, to acquire knowledge is not wrong. Damor plans to challenge her suspension order in the Rajasthan High Court at Jodhpur.

Damor's family, once followers of Hindu traditions, now shares her perspective. Her husband, a government teacher in Gujarat, and their two sons, studying in grades nine and seven, also support her stance. Damor emphasizes that she has taught her sons to avoid religious superstitions and focus on education with a scientific outlook.

The Mooknayak also spoke with Damor’s brother, Sitaram Damor, who is preparing the petition for her case in Jodhpur. He stated that while the suspension is based on service conduct rules, Damor has not used any offensive or unconstitutional language. He believes that proper procedure—issuing a show-cause notice, conducting an investigation, and considering Damor’s side—was not followed. He criticized the direct suspension without due process and plans to file a petition against the order in the High Court.