#GoodNews: Kolkata College Lets You Pick ‘Humanity’ As Religion

Bethune College created the option when they realised some students were reluctant to disclose their religion.

Image used for representation only.

(Photo: Erum Gour/The Quint)

In a break from the norm, a college affiliated to Calcutta University has introduced 'Humanity' as a separate option under ‘religion’, a News18 report said on Friday, 31 May.

In its form for admission to undergraduate courses, Bethune College in Kolkata lets candidates choose ‘humanity’ instead of any of the usual religions.

Realising that some students might be reluctant to mention their religion on admission forms, members of the college admission committee unanimously decided in favour of introducing this option.

“We have realised 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.” 

Mamata Ray, principal of Bethune College, as told to The Millennium Post

Welcoming the college’s move, a user took to social media and said, "We still have so much to be proud of, and someday, there might not be a column on religion at all," the Facebook post said.

(With inputs from News18)