I support the petition by American Hindus Against Defamation (AHAD) and demand that Papa John’s immediately withdraw the advertisement titled, “Yoga” which profoundly demeans the primordial and sacred mantra, AUM (OM) and practice of yoga. More than a billion Hindus around the world, chant this sacred sound daily as part of their spiritual practice. “Yoga” commercial trivializes and insults the spiritual practice of Hindus. During the past weeks, hundreds of thousands of Hindus have gathered online to collectively chant AUM to pray for global health and wellbeing.
The poor choice of AUM and yoga, mocking Hindu dharma (religion, practices and way of life) is insensitive and Hinduphobic. It is inconsistent with your own lofty statement, “Papa John’s purpose is to bring people together with better pizza…we are committed to…creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture where everyone belongs.”
If the “Yoga”commercial is not withdrawn immediately, we will ask all the Hindus around the world, including those in India to boycott Papa John’s.