Update :
The manager of the agency called me up and
discussed the matter in detail. She apologized and acknowledged that her
colleague's actions were uncalled for and the whole situation on her end could
have been handled better. I had a heartfelt conversation with the manager for
her to understand the gravity of the matter.
The agent has since issued an official
apology to me with the manager and director in the loop and the company has
also accepted my offer to have a scheduled online session to learn about Sikhism,
the significance of the turban and every individual's right to practice our
religion in workplaces according to the constitution of Singapore regardless of
race, language and religion.
Pavitar Singh
I have also offered a free of charge
training session to the agency on how they can better approach prospective
clients and candidates whilst being sensitive to one's religious practices and
background. They are going to schedule it with me soon.
I still stand by my decision to not reveal
names because smear campaigning is never a solution and it destroys lives. As
seen in this letter of apology, the agent is a mother of 2 kids and I am
unknown to her personal situation. Had I revealed names, her job could be on
the line thus affecting the stability of her family.
There has been a lot of talk about how her
name and the agency's name should be released to name and shame them. However,
it is unlike me to shame someone, goes against my morals and the very teachings
of my religion.
The whole point of sharing my experience was
to highlight the prevalent decimation in our country and the importance of
combating it effectively.
By taking the high road of educating, I
have very successfully created a rapport with the agency to be educated on my
faith and its practices so as to prevent such incidents in the future.
My methods may not be agreeable to many but
this is the method I choose to adopt and I see more benefit in it than
destroying someone's life and livelihood.
I am glad this matter has been handled
amicably and appropriately and I urge everyone to always do their part in
vocalizing discrimination and in their personal capacities, bring about change.
I am grateful to all the outpouring of
support I have received.
Thank you.
Pavitar Singh
Dr.Gurdeep kaur
Associate Professor
Sri Guru Nanak Dev Khalsa College
University of Delhi