A national newspaper has issued a correction after a significant error in a map of India published in its May 13, 2025 edition. The article, titled “With a new Pope, an understanding of Catholicism in India,” featured a map that incorrectly omitted the state of Sikkim, which was visually represented with its borders shaded out.
The newspaper’s editorial team has acknowledged the mistake, attributing it to a data input error. They expressed their regret over the oversight and stated that a corrected version of the map has since been updated and published in both the online and e-paper editions of the newspaper. An editor’s note clarified, “Due to a data input error, the India map in the article was incorrectly presented with the contours of Sikkim State being shaded out. We apologise for the error. The map has been corrected in our e-paper editions.”
The publication’s decision to omit Sikkim from the map not only led to public concern but also sparked outrage among political leaders and citizens. Earlier on May 13, Sikkim’s Chief Minister, Prem Singh Tamang, publicly criticized the national English daily. He labeled the omission “a serious and unacceptable error,” arguing that it undermines India’s sovereignty and disrespects the sentiments of Sikkim’s residents.
In a social media post, Tamang stated, “It has come to my attention that in its edition dated 13th May 2025, the newspaper published a map of India omitting the state of Sikkim. This is not a mere oversight; it is a serious and unacceptable error that undermines the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our nation.” The timing of the error has heightened sentiments, occurring just days before Sikkim’s 50th anniversary of statehood on May 16.
Tamang described the oversight as “deeply hurtful” and “an affront to the unity of our Republic,” stressing that Sikkim’s constitutional status is protected under Article 371F. The BJP’s Sikkim unit has also responded strongly, condemning the newspaper’s error as “a grave error” and “a blatant affront” to the Republic. They have called for a formal apology, a correction of the map, and an inquiry by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
“The people of Sikkim will not tolerate being rendered invisible or disrespected in any manner,” stated the BJP, asserting their commitment to uphold the dignity and rightful place of Sikkim within the Indian Union.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/sikkim/story/sikkim-omission-sparks-fury-national-daily-issues-apology-for-grave-map-error-1213775-2025-05-15?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-05-15 10:11:00
