FIBA, THE INTERNATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION, IS UNDER FIRE FOR NOT ALLOWING SIKH PLAYERS FROM INDIA WEAR THEIR TURBANS WHILE COMPETING IN THE ASIA CUP.

Supporters of Team India Basketball have been disappointed by the decision by FIBA, the International Basketball Association, to disallow members of their team to play basketball while wearing their turbans.

THE RULES
In sports, or any competitive event, following rules is incredibly important, and no member of any serious sports team would want to break the rules. However, FIBA’s Official Basketball Rules state that: “Players shall not wear equipment (objects) that may cause injury to other players.” The rule continues, listing turbans and hijabs in particular. Leading up to their game against Japan in the Asia Cup tournament in China, Team India had already consulted with officials from FIBA and were told that the turbans would be acceptable. By the time they actually arrived to play, however, that decision had been overturned.

TURBANS IN THE SIKH FAITH
Within the Sikh religion, it is very important that an individual does not cut his or her hair. Many Sikhs will also wear a turban, to keep their hair in its totally natural state. It is something that some Sikhs do, and some do not, but their choice is a key part of their belief system. Two members of Team India wear turbans and had to choose between playing or removing their turbans because they were told they were not allowed to wear their turbans while they played.

INTERNATIONAL REACTION TO FIBA’S RULING
The international reaction to this ruling has been extreme. Many around the world have demanded that the rules are re-examined due to their discriminatory nature. Others have suggested that instead of being outright discrimination, the problem is more about a lack of understanding and ignorance. Sikh bodies in India, on the other hand, have termed the decision “a barbaric and inhuman act.” However, what many people consider to be the worst offense is that the two basketball players were forced to remove their turbans in order to play, which they both said felt very uncomfortable.

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE GAME
Amritpal Singh and Amjyot Singh, the two players affected by the decision, are both prominent members of the team but could not start in the game against Japan because they were forced to unravel their turbans and tie their hair with bands before playing. Throughout the game, both were visibly flustered and uncomfortable. Although the headgear situation is likely not solely to blame, India ended up losing that game and finished 7th place overall.

INTERNATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION TO CONTINUE INVESTIGATING
The FIBA Central Board met in Seville at the end of August to discuss a variety of topics, including their rulings on religious headgear. Despite protests set up by the Kalgidhar Society, an online petition on Change.org which garnered over 53,000 signatures, and a social media campaign called #LetSikhsPlay, the meeting remained inconclusive in regards to a solution. Despite not approving a ruling, the Central Board agreed to continue investigations into the matter.

~ Source: http://www.worldreligionnews.com/

In continuation to peaceful protests against FIBA banning two budding Indian Sikh sports stars Amritpal Singh and Amjyot Singh, who were asked to remove their Turban in Wuhan, which had recently led to a great indignation among the Sikh community across the world. Akal Academy Kajri too joined this move to protest FIBA’s discriminatory decision alongwith other 128 Akal Academies. Getting impulse from The Kalgidhar Education Trust, Baru Sahib, the students of the Academy staged their silent and peaceful protest by playing friendly basket ball match in symbolic teams wearing Turban to show the large community that turban can’t harm anyone rather a Turban is an identity of true peace loving people living harmoniously across the globe. Since centuries, Turban has been a part of religious and cultural heritage which a Sikh wears on his head and the Federation must respect that.

~ Deeksha Singh
~ New Delhi, 13th Sep ’14

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Dr. Brooke, Head of School at Seneca Academy, a leading and only International Baccalaureate Primary Years program in Montgomery County, traveled to Northern India in early August to forge relations with an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program. We decided to speak to Dr. Brooke Carroll about her trip and the importance of education.

1. Dr. Brooke Carroll, you are the head of School at Seneca Academy, can you tell me why the school stands out from other schools in the country?

   We are the only International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (IB/PYP) in an independent school in Montgomery County, Maryland. We combine challenging, inquiry-based education with a safe, positive and supportive social environment. By ensuring that our curriculum and teaching methods are significant, relevant, and engaging, we make sure that our students gain the skills and abilities they need to be successful, lifelong, global learners. What really makes us stand out is our close community of dedicated, knowledgeable, energetic and kind educators, students and parents who work together to celebrate learning.

2. You recently travelled to Northern India with your 12 year old daughter, can you tell me the reason for the trip?

   My daughter and I were invited to work with Akal Academy faculty and students on implementing the Primary Years Program. They have recently been authorized as an IB/PYP World School and wanted to connect with other educators who have more experience with the program. My daughter is a June graduate from Seneca Academy, so was able to bring a student’s perspective on the learning opportunities the PYP offers.

3. How would you say the education system in India compares to the education system in America?

   I can really only speak about Seneca Academy and Akal Academy. I was quite surprised at how similar these two schools are in terms of philosophy, focus and practice. I found very knowledgeable and dedicated educators at Akal Academy who were implementing collaborative, inquiry-based education with their students. I felt right at home! The students were actively engaged in their learning and were excellent communicators. All of these elements are central to our programs and philosophy at Seneca Academy. This similarity in programming is consistent with the goals of the International Baccalaureate.

4. You were invited to visit Akal Academy in Baru Sahib, Himachal Pradesh, to provide workshops for teachers and students as well as to develop a long-term relationship between the two schools, would you say the trip was a success?

   Very much so! We were greeted with such warmth and generosity, and then witnessed such passionate educators and students. It was very interesting for me to see the IB/PYP implemented in another country and culture. The workshops I led with teachers were very interactive and they knew so much, I was really kept on my toes! There is also much overlap in the units of inquiry taught at Akal Academy and the ones we teach here at Seneca Academy. There are a variety of ways we can connect our schools moving forward.

5. You encourage the children at your school to be open minded, why do you feel this is important?

   When you only listen to or consider views that align with your own, you miss out on so many growth opportunities. Being closed-minded separates you from others’ thoughts, feelings and perspectives. This hinders learning as well as communication. We believe that everyone has something valuable to share, even if it is different from what we may be accustomed to hearing. When we are open minded (and I say “we” because I’m including adults in this as well), we allow ourselves to hear and experience so much more than when we close others out of our lives. From an academic perspective, being open-minded to new ideas, experiences and perspectives allows us to fully be knowledgeable scientists, social scientists, readers, writers, mathematicians, communicators, etc.

6. How do you see the future for your relationship with Akal Academy?

   I have already begun working with the administration there to directly connect teachers through email. We have shared resources back and forth, and I expect this to continue. I am hopeful that we can connect some classes, so students can email and perhaps connect with video regarding units of inquiry that they have in common. The ongoing sharing of ideas and perspectives between our two schools is my goal.

7. There was recent research that found children who drink water during the day at school would dissolve more of the information they are given during lessons, would you agree with this?

   I don’t have any data to support or refute this claim.

8. Seneca Academy: Seneca Academy is a non-profit, independent day school, founded in 1983, serving children preschool through fifth grade, would you like to see more schools set up to follow your principles and way of learning?

   As both an administrator and a parent whose 2 children graduated from Seneca Academy, I think this is a wonderful way for children to experience their early school years. I believe that we empower students to think of themselves as independent learners and of school as an enjoyable place to be. We give them the foundational skills and abilities they need to be successful in whatever next educational system they choose. The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program has helped us enhance our programming at Seneca Academy and yes, I think this can be a successful program in many schools.

9. Are there any plans for another trip to India or for a teacher exchange program to take place?

   Not immediately, but perhaps in the future!

10. Overall all, how successful would you say your trip to India was?

    My trip was very successful! It connected our 2 schools in person, in a way that could not have happened electronically. I have strong positive contacts at Akal Academy as well as a better understanding of how the IB/PYP is implemented there that will enable us to continue a relationship into the future. I believe this relationship will strengthen both schools.

11. What did you learn during your trip to India?

    I learned that despite our many cultural differences, good educators and dedicated parents produce similar kinds of students- those who are actively and joyfully engaged in the process of learning.

For More Information about Seneca Academy please visit: http://www.senecaacademy.org

~ By Chantelle Walker
~ Source: http://goarticles.com/

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