Today (July 21) Marks Racial Harmony Day
Pavitar Singh,who lives in Singapore applied to a certain organization for
business needs which entails a certain level of face to face interaction. He shared
a recent experience while applying for a job in “a certain organisation for
business needs
"Sorry ah sir, I see your name ends
with Singh. So you have the cloth thingy on your head ah? Is it removable or do
you always wear it?"
I replied: Yes, I am a Singh. It is called
a turban and no it is not removable. Is there an issue?
Lady on the phone: The thing is I'm not
sure if the organisers will be comfortable with it.
Me: You do know that the constitution
allows me to work and live as a Singaporean whilst having my turban on right?
Mind you, I was in the Airforce. A place not many can be in due to clearance
issues.
Lady: Oh! You were in the Airforce?! A bit
surprising!
Me: Thank you for your time. I will lodge
an official report for the authorities to look into this matter.
Lady starts apologizing profusley and I
simply cut the call.
Pavitar Singh
Not the first time this has happened and it is a bit apalling that as a citizen of this country I am being told I can't conduct myself with my turban on.
Will definitely be viewing my options and
will escalate this matter to ensure no other individual becomes a victim of
such discrimination.
Dr,Gurdeep Kaur
Associate Proessor
Sri Guru Nanak Dev Khalsa College
University of Delhi
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