Kolkata, May 31: The Bethune College, affiliated to the University of Calcutta, has allowed students to select "humanity" as religion in the admission form. The move has been welcomed by a section of the student populace, who are adherents to no faith but are forced to select among the prominent religions or select the wide category of "other".

Bethune College, established in 1879, is one of the most reputed girls-only colleges in India. The NAAC-Grade A institute is currently inviting online applications for admission in undergraduate courses. To apply, click here. PG Medical Admissions 2019: Centre Extends Last Date for Registration of Post Graduate Courses to May 31

Mamata Ray, principal of the Bethune College, said the option of describing humanity as one's faith was deliberately added by them to make it convenient for students not adhering to either Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Jainism or Buddhism.

"We have realised that some students are reluctant to mentioning their religion in the admission form. We appreciate their views as we feel that 'Humanity' is the true religion of mankind," she was reported as saying.

Shamika a Kolkata-based undergraduate course aspirant, said the college should be lauded for taking the "revolutionary" step. "For those who are atheists or agnostics, there was no other option but to tick the faith of their parents or forefathers. Now, there is a logical option to mark oneself as humanist," she said on social media.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 31, 2019 11:19 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).