Air India assistant claims to quit job and has approached the media protesting that she is being tortured by her new boss for wearing the ‘Teeka’. Being denied the traditional Hindu mark on the forehead, this daily torture is becoming unbearable for her.
Now a 2.5-year employee with the Indian airline, she says she never had a problem regarding religious expression but is presently being accused of harassment for religious expression.
She says she is targeted more by the senior staff for this religious symbol although other religious practices, most of which refer to Muslim employees, are allowed.
The assistant of Air India claims harassment and stalking by her seniors on regular occasions where in, water and food spots, or toilet had to be visited or she had to do her puja (worship), which she has been doing since childhood. She claimed that her boss had told her straight that the ‘Teeka’ was a no-go at work, which is causing her much emotional distress.
Air India assistant claims to quit job, claims Hindus are discriminated
Nevertheless, she wears it still, arguing that it is a vital part of her religious identity. In a recent video, the tortured Air India assistant spoke of her frustration at what she believes is a clear double standard: Muslim colleagues are free to practice their religion without issue.
The Air India assistant tortured for wearing the teeka hasn’t named any of her harassers yet because she does not want to see someone lose their job over it. She now claims, however, that pressure from senior management left her with no choice but to consider leaving her job, as she no longer feels safe and respected in the workplace.
The assistant has never filed a formal complaint; rather, she has made her story public in the hopes of getting attention to the so-called discrimination against Hindus within the airline industry.
The assistant from Air India, tortured for wearing the teeka, has sought equality and respect for all religious practices in the place of work.
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