Andhra Pradesh: 5th-grade student denied entry for wearing Ayyappa mala; devotees protest, school apologises

A private school in Vijayawada faced protests after denying a fifth-grader entry for wearing an Ayyappa mala. Following intervention by devotees, activists, and the District Educational Officer, the school apologized and agreed to allow students to wear religious symbols. The DEO issued notices, warning of action against non-compliant institutions.