Delhi Golf Club removes Meghalayan woman in traditional Khasi dress
The reputed Delhi Golf Club is facing flak for allegedly displaying racial prejudices against a northeastern woman. Nivedita Barthakur, honorary health advisor to the Assam government, had taken along her Meghalayan governess Tailin Lyngdoh, who was allegedly denied entry as her traditional Khasi dress "was taken for a maid's uniform". They had both been invited for lunch by a long-time club member.
What exactly happened?
According to Barthakur, Lyngdoh had been invited for lunch by P Thimmayya Goel, a long-time member. She was in Jenseim, her traditional Khasi dress. A few minutes after they arrived, the manager Ajit Pal, accompanied by one Sumit Thakur, asked her to leave the table and the room because "she looks like a maid". No one intervened. Barthakur and her friends then left DGC.
Club says, 'No complaint received'; Barthakur mulls legal options
"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," Lyngdoh said. The club has so far not acknowledged the incident. President Siddharth Shriram said no complaint had been received. Barthakur is meanwhile exploring legal options.