A woman from Meghalaya was shunted out of the Delhi Golf Club for wearing a Jainsem, a dress worn by the indigenous Khasi women in Meghalaya, on June 25. The club on June 27 issued “unconditional apology” as the ‘racial incident’ was slammed by all sections of the society.
On Sunday, Tailin Lyngdoh, who works as a governess, had gone to the club along with her employer Nivedita Barthakur after they were invited for lunch by a member of the club.
However, around 15-20 minutes into the lunch, two club officials asked Lyngdoh to leave the table and the club saying the dress (Jainsem) she was wearing was a “maid’s uniform” and also allegedly hurled racial abuse at her.
“We were invited for lunch at the Delhi Golf Club. We were all seated and the lunch was almost to be served. Suddenly the club official came to me and asked me to leave the place,” Lyngdoh told mediapersons.
“I enquired the reason. They told me that the dress (Jainsem) I was wearing was a maid’s uniform. They even said that I look like a dustbin,” she added.
“I have travelled almost all over the world and several parts of India and eaten food in the best hotels and clubs. But no one has hurled abuses on me or commented on my dress,” she said.
The incident left many questioning the attitude of the club officials. “#DelhiGolfClub Next time I am in Delhi, I will visit you in my Jainsem. Let’s see how you throw me out you racist…” wrote editor of the Shillong Times Patricia Mukhim on Facebook.
On June 27, the Delhi Golf Club issued a letter accepting its mistake and tendered its apologies.
“The management has immediately investigated the incident, and it has emerged that the incident could have been handled in a much better way by the staff member. It was also confirmed that the guests were not asked to leave the premises,” the letter read.
According to the club management, action has been taken in this regard. An apology has been made to the member who has brought the guest. “This has been unconditionally accepted,” read the letter.
The letter further said that an explanation from the staff was sought and disciplinary action is in process. “It is unfortunate and regrettable that an undeniable attempt is being made to give this incident a political and cultural overtone,” it added.
