LONDON, UK—In a groundbreaking achievement for upholding the distinction of Sikhism from Hinduism, the National Council for the Training of the Journalists in the United Kingdom has issued an apology after a course student discovered the inaccurate and historically incomplete description of Sikhism in the text book.
Gurpreet Kaur, 41, a trainee journalist, escalated the successful defence and advocacy before Ofqual, the regulator of qualifications, examinations and assessments in the United Kingdom. Ms. Kaur delineated with scriptural and historic references, the unique origins and spirit of Sikhism.
The matter came to her attention as a student of NCTJ, which provides premier training for the journalists in the UK. She learnt about the erroneous description, which identified Sikhism as a sect of Hinduism. Talks were held with Ofqual and NCTJ as part of the wider discussions on the description reform.
The text book, ‘Essential Reporting’, published by Sage Publication, was written by an experienced NCTJ examiner Jon Smith, who included the misinterpreted view of Sikhism and ignored many rich and unique aspects of the religion.
In a statement issued by Emma Hart, Marketing and Communications Manager of the NCTJ said, ‘there was no intention to cause anyone in the Sikh community any offence’. Ms. Hart apologised for any distress that this matter has caused. She assured that all objectionable references will be removed from any future editions and hoped that this would ease the concerns.
Ms. Kaur has welcomed the outcome. She called it ‘the huge constructive achievement, as it was sustained that the theological principle, the articles of faith, the way of life, rites and rituals of the Sikhs are altogether different from those of Hindus and that Sikhism is an independent religion’.
All too often we just don’t look at someone else’s meinang. We take for granted what an object or a tone means for ourselves but not the person expressing it. The same is true for the swords for Sikhs or for a style of clothing of the person next to you on the bus. It is far too easy to make simple judgements instead of looking deeper for the true meinang. Well done.