There are so many instances of attacking the sentiments of Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists. Why are others not being targeted? Is this award of our tolerance? Is this done because Hindu we never want to convert others?
In the past “Toronto Star” selected and published nude picture of Goddess Durga. After that the Toronto Star regrets that publication of the original photo has caused anguish and apologizes to the Hindu community.
Religious hurting through toys
TOI and indiapod.com reported about the hidden formula of China to insult Guru Nanak Deo as the incident happened few weeks back about the duplicate of Guru Govind Singh by the Dera Chief Gurumeet Ram Rahim Singh.
China Toy Chief suicides: Why do we want cultural & political suicide?
After the Chinese-made kirpans (daggers) nearly wiped out local manufacturers of one of the five 'K's of Sikhism, it is the turn of Guru Nanak Dev's idols with 'Chinese characteristics' to flood shops across Punjab.
The figurines, which have been in the market for some time, are available for Rs 100-150. They are popular gift items, with the smaller ones finding a perch on car dashboards "since it reassures the driver of divine protection", as one user put it.
The larger versions are seen in restaurants, stacked along with statuettes of deities of other faiths. Not everybody, though, is pleased. In fact, the Sikh clergy have issued directions to the community to refrain from buying these idols.
Moreover, the Chinese-made idols sport a Chinese look, like slanted eyes and Mongoloid features. "Guru Nanak is made to look more like a lama," said a Sikh wryly, who chanced upon these figurines in a gift shop in Jalandhar.
Is this religious of freedom being preaching by religious heads of the Christian?
Strongly protesting the use of Hindu deity's image allegedly by an American website to market its products, the Orissa government on Dec 17, 2007 said it would take up the matter with the US embassy.
"We will certainly protest this and also ask the Centre to initiate appropriate action in this matter," Orissa's Law Minister BB Harichandan said.
Is UPA Govt only for the sake of Non-Hindu Sikh Buddha?
Insult of Hindu Gods on Clothes
Uproar created by Britain's Hindu community over Italian designer Roberto Cavalli's swimwear and lingerie line being emblazoned with Hindu deities has once again brought to the limelight the question of artistic freedom and, indeed, personal liberty. Following protests, Cavalli withdrew his lingerie from his stores in Milan and London.
So, while Cavalli's bikini line had motifs of Hindu gods, with Ram as the main motif, French design guru Jean Paul Gaultier came out with a similar line some time back.
Abroad, there are numerous designers who come out with bikinis and briefs in religious imagery or the national colours.
Instances of religion-inspired creations doing brisk business abroad are manifold. A couple of years ago, the Urban Odyssey collection unveiled by the Moschino Jeans label at the Bloomingdale's in New York had images of Shiva, Ganesha and goddesses.
"The mysticism surrounding Indian deities is attractive for Western designers and buyers," says Sunil Sethi, a consultant with Selfridges in London, where Rina Dhaka-designed prints of gods on T-shirts, posters and key chains were reportedly sold out. And therein hangs a tale.
Opinions of the entrepreneur and designers:
* Nothing. Religious images on T shirts, bags and belts look really nice.
* Nothing should be done at the cost of religious sentiments.
* There are other things that can be used on garments, why God?
E-mail: agrawapremendra@hotmail.com
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