HinduPACT

Category: AHADInfo

  • AHAD Adds Global Hindu Voice to Protest Against Crass Australian Meat and Livestock Advertisement Depicting Lord Ganesha

    AHAD Adds Global Hindu Voice to Protest Against Crass Australian Meat and Livestock Advertisement Depicting Lord Ganesha

    For Immediate Release

    9/21/2017

    The following statement was issued by Ajay Shah, Convenor, American Hindus Against Defamation and Utsav Chakrabarty, Public Relations Coordinator, World Hindu Council of America (VHPA)

    AHAD Adds Global Hindu Voice to Protest Against Crass Australian Meat and Livestock Advertisement Depicting Lord Ganesha

    American Hindus Against Defamation (AHAD), the most prominent Hindu organization against Hindu defamation joins the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of Australia’s protest against Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) advertisement depicting beloved Hindu God Shree Ganesha for promotion of lamb meat (https://youtu.be/f8kuoFGgj8s).  The commercial further insults Lord Ganesha eating lamb meat, as “the elephant in the room.”  Additionally, dharmic saints wearing saffron are shown eating lamb meat.

    Ganesha, holds a special place in the hearts of Hindus around the world.  Lord Ganesha is also revered by other dharmic traditions around the world, including Jains Sikhs, and Buddhists.  Buddhists, worship Lord Ganesha as the Buddhist God Vinayaka throughout Asia, including China and Japan.  In fact, many Buddhist traditions believe that Buddha himself was an avatar of Ganesha.

    Ajay Shah, the Convenor of AHAD said, “To use the symbol of nonviolent faiths to promote a product that that represents the ultimate violence against innocent animals is abhorrent.  It is ironic that, Lord Ganesha is used to promote meat, whereas, millions of Hindus celebrate the festival attributed to Lord Ganesha, by fasting and abstaining from food.  Today, American Hindus stand united in their opposition to MLA’s  advertisement and demand that it be withdrawn immediately.“

    AHAD is registering its strong protest against MLA with the Australian Advertising Standards Bureau.  The Bureau has apparently judged the advertisement to be non-offensive.  AHAD contends that Australian Advertising Standards Bureau has absolutely no expertise or right to judge what is offensive and non-offensive to Hindus.  The Bureau should have consulted credible Hindu organizations like VHP- Australia (akilaramarathinam@gmail.com) before making its determination.  AHAD requests the Australian Minister for Multicultural Affairs to take note of this advertisement and take take action against its further propagation.

    AHAD will also reach out to Buddhist communities across Asia and urge them to boycott Australian lamb based product until AMC withdraws its advertisement depicting Lord Ganesha and saffron clad Hindu priest and tenders an apology to the Hindu community.  AHAD has also launched an online protest against AMC advertisement (http://indiapetitions.com/protest-meat-and-livestock-australias-portrayal-of-lord-ganesha-eating-lamb-in-advertisement/) where the global community can sign a petition and let their voice be heard.

    About American Hindus Against Defamation (AHAD)

    American Hindus Against Defamation (AHAD) is the first and the most prominent Hindu organization in USA.  A project of World Hindu Council of America (VHPA), AHAD has been actively monitoring media and products to ensure accurate representation of Hindu dharma, culture, images and icons.

    For further information, please contact:

    Ajay Shah
    Convener, American Hindus Against Defamation (AHAD)
    http://www.hindunet.org/ahad
    ajay@hindunet.org
    Phone: (858) 866-9661

    About World Hindu Council of America (VHPA)

    World Hindu Council of America (VHPA) is the most prominent organization of Hindus in USA.  Founded in 1970, it has branches across the country.  For more information, please contact:

    Utsav Chakrabarti

    Public Relations Coordinator
    World Hindu Council of America (VHPA)
    P.O. Box 600
    460 Boston Rd, Billerica, MA 01821

    http://www.vhp-america.org/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vishwa.sampark
    Twitter: @VHPANews

  • Community Awareness Talk at Pittsburgh, PA Gurudwara by Sanjay Mehta

    Namaste and Sat Shri Akal,

    We have brought our ancestral heritage, identity, cultural values from Bharat to America. It is important for us here in America to protect and preserve these values, our dignity, self-respect and of course our safely now and for future generations.

    There have been recently some hostile and unfriendly incidences happened with some of our community members. A software engineer Srinivas was shot to death in Kansas. One of our Sikh brothers was shot in his own driveway in Seattle. While incidents do not necessarily make a trend, we need to address them, tackle them as they happened and with the help of local law authority. On the positive note, in all incidences, our community received needed support from local law enforcement authority, US and Indian governments.

    For some of us these are just handful or small %, but for 30 years old young Sunayana, wife of Srinivas who was shot in Kansas, it is 100%. For a school kid, boy or girl, whose identity is challenged and who is being intimidated in school due to his/her socio-cultural background and practices, it is 100%.  World Hindu Council of America (VHPA) has formed a coalition of many likeminded organizations and institutions to address defamation, discrimination and hate issues. We have a registry created on the website to records incidences of abuse or crime.

    We have prepared documents with all the details. Let me read a para from the documents. “The presence and contributions of three million legal Hindu, Sikh, Indian immigrants and the second generation of theirs is a testament to the openness of USA as a nation that has attracted and embraced the universal and peaceful ancient Vedic ideals of ‘सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः-Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, (May all be happy).” You can obtain a copy of this document from me.

    World Hindu Council of America is planning an awareness program across the country on how to handle these issues and how to get involved in county/township level community programs, be it a charity event, 4 th of July parade or a coffee with Cop. We can get help from DC and New Delhi, but we need to work at the grassroots level too.

    There is wonderful book titled ‘India Unveiled’ authored by Robert Arnett which unveiled India’s fascinating traditions. There is a book title ‘Explaining Hindu Dharma’ published by World Hindu Council of UK, I am sure there must be a similar book on our Sikh traditions. We should make these books available in public library and schools to bring positive awareness about our community.

    We are legal citizens of America, we are Sikh Americans, we are Hindu Americans. Our tradition is rich, we have a diamond to offer. Over the decades, Hindu/Sikh community has contributed to the growth of America. We have positively influenced over 20 million Americans through our values and traditions. We belong to the same roots, let us work together in this awareness program.

    Again, it is not just about Srinivas or a Sikh brother, it is not about him or her, it is about ‘us’ as a community. It is about dignity, self-respect and safety of Hindu/Sikh, Indian diaspora, our youth in college campuses and our children in schools. So, please join.

    Namaste and Sat Shri Akal!

    Would you like to invite AHAD Speaker to your event?  Fill Out the form below

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  • Community Awareness Presentation in Pittsburgh by Sanjay Mehta

    Community Awareness Presentation in Pittsburgh by Sanjay Mehta

    EKAL Fund Raiser Program, Pittsburgh – Community Awareness presentation

    – Sanjay Mehta

    Friday April 7, 2017

    Namaste,

    I am going to share something with you now which is as important to us as EKAL prog. Ekal connects us to our ancestral heritage, identity, cultural values of Bharat. We have brought those culture values from Bharat to America. It is important for us here in America to protect and preserve these values, our dignity, self-respect and of course our safely.

    There have been some hostile and unfriendly incidences happened with some of our community members. A software engineer Srinivas was shot to death in Kansas. One of our Sikh brothers was shot in his own driveway in Seattle. While incidents do not necessarily make a trend, we need to address them, tackle them as they happened and with the help of local law authority. On the positive note, in all incidences, our community received needed support from local law enforcement authority, US and Indian governments.

    For some of us these are just handful or small %, but for 30 years old young Sunayana, wife of Srinivas who was shot in Kansas, it is 100%. For a school kid, whose identity is challenged and who is being intimidated in school due to his socio-cultural background, it is 100%.

    World Hindu Council of America (VHPA) has formed a coalition of many Hindu organizations and institutions to address defamation, discrimination and hate issues. We have a registry created on the website to records incidences of abuse or crime.

    We have prepared documents with all the details. Let me read a para from the documents. “The presence and contributions of three million legal Hindu/Indian immigrants and the second generation of Hindus is a testament to the openness of USA as a nation that has attracted and embraced the universal and peaceful ancient Vedic ideals of ‘सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः-Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, (May all be happy).” You can obtain a copy of this document from me or Haribhai Patel or Hitesh Mehta after the program.

    World Hindu Council of America is planning Hindu awareness program across the country on how to handle these issues and how to get involved in county/township level community programs, be it a charity event, 4th of July parade or a coffee with Cop.

    Please be a part of this awareness program. Organize this in your area in a small or large group. Please contact me, Haribhai Patel or Hitesh Mehta, we will come to your area.

    Again, it is not just about Srinivas or Sikh brother, it not about him or her, it is about ‘us’ as a community. It is about dignity, self-respect and safety of Hindu/Indian diaspora, our youth in college campuses and our children in schools. So, please join.

    Thanks and Namaste.

  • AHAD Announces Registry of Attacks on Hindus in USA

     

    April 6, 2017

    The following statement was issue by Ajay Shah, Convener, American Hindus Against Defamation:

    There have been several attacks on the followers of Sanatana Dharma across the USA in past few months.  On February 22, 2017, two Indian software engineers, Srinivas Kuchibhotla and Alok Madasani were shot in Kansas, resulting in Kuchibhotla’s death.  On March 2, 2017, Harnish Patel, a convenience store owner was shot dead in South Carolina and On March 3, Deep Rai, a Sikh was shot in his own driveway in Seattle.  While three incidents do not necessarily make a trend, a rapid succession of events have traumatized and aggravated the Hindu community and the community is now grappling for answers.

    AHAD, the most prominent organization dedicated to countering defamation of  Hindu dharma, encompassing of spiritual, social, religious practices, culture, icons and images, has announced creation of a registry to document all the cases of hate and bias against Hindus across the US.  This first-of-a-kind registry will record verified information about religious hate-driven incidents, violent and non-violent attacks, online and off-line harassment and bullying, abuse, stalking, and discrimination in schools, colleges, workplace, public and private places.

    AHAD coalition members have consistently helped Hindus targeted due to hate or bias since the days of Dotbuster attacks in early 1980s.  As the leading Hindu organizations in US, we would like to assure the Hindu community that AHAD and its coalition partners will serve as community resources.  We stand ready to help you in your need.  If you are a victim of violence, harassment, or abuse due to your belief, religious practices, race, or national origin, report the incident to the local law enforcement, and, document the incident details to AHAD at ahad.hindunet.org.  Community guidelines for Hindus who have faced hate in any form is available on the AHAD website.  AHAD also plans to organize community programs across the country to raise awareness of Hindu issues.

    Hindu tolerance and penchant for peace and universality should not be taken as a sign of our weakness.   In the cases of recent incidences our community received needed support from the authorities, and the community is appreciative of the support received.   We will work closely with local, state and federal agencies to ensure that appropriate legal actions are taken against hate crimes and abuses, and the religious freedom and rights of the Hindu community in the US are protected as guaranteed by the US constitution.

    While there are many in a society that are driven by xenophobia and Hinduphobia, sometimes aided and abated by shows such as Reza Aslan’s Believers on CNN, we have come to appreciate that at its very core, the United States is a diverse, and welcoming society.  The presence of three million relatively recent Hindu immigrants and the second generation of Hindus, many of them, students in schools and colleges a testament to the openness of a nation that has attracted and embraced the universal and peaceful ideals of Sanatana Dharma.  The Hindu community is now actively engaged in the American life.  The Hindus are now joining the armed forces to defend the country, and participating in many local and national charity programs, including support for families of our troops, disaster relief, education assistance, blood donation drives, and services for homeless.  In the ancient Vedic spirit of “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah,” (May All Become Happy), Hindus too, have welcomed over 20 million Americans to some of the core practices of Hindu dharma as we collectively progress towards peace and prosperity

    About American Hindus Against Defamation (AHAD) 

    American Hindus Against Defamation (AHAD) is the first and the most prominent Hindu organization in USA.  A project of World Hindu Council of America (VHPA), AHAD has been actively monitoring media and products to ensure accurate representation of Hindu dharma, culture, images and icons.

    For further information, please contact:

    Ajay Shah 

    Convener, American Hindus Against Defamation (AHAD)
    http://www.hindunet.org/ahad
    ajay@hindunet.org
    Phone: (858) 866-9661

    About World Hindu Council of America (VHPA)

    World Hindu Council of America (VHPA) is the most prominent organization of Hindus in USA.  Founded in 1970, it has branches across the country.  For more information, please contact:

    Utsav Chakrabarti
    Relations Coordinator
    World Hindu Council of America (VHPA)
    P.O. Box 600
    460 Boston Rd, Billerica, MA 01821

    http://www.vhp-america.org/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vishwa.sampark

    Twitter: @VHPANews

     

  • Protest Against Reza Aslan’s Hinduphobic “Believer” on CNN Gains Steam as Major Hindu Organizations Unite to Demand Apology from CNN

    Date: March 11, 2017

    The following statement was issued by Ajay Shah, Convener, American Hindus Against Defamation (AHAD)

    Protest Against Reza Aslan’s Hinduphobic “Believer” on CNN Gains Steam as Major Hindu Organizations Unite to Demand Apology from CNN

    The following statement was issue by Ajay Shah, Convener, American Hindus Against Defamation.

    Led by the American Hindus Against Defamation (AHAD), several Hindu Organizations have issued a joint statement against CNN demanding that it stop further airing “Believer with Reza Aslan” and issue an apology to the Hindu community for promoting xenophobia and Hinduphobia.

    The participating organizations include, Hindu Mandir Executive Council (HMEC), representing over 150 temples across North America, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) with chapters in over one hundred cities in the US, Samskrita Bharati an authoritative source for Samskrita (Sanskrit) education across the world, Ekal Vidyalaya, a US sponsor of over 55,000 one teacher schools across India and Nepal and OFBJP, the US unit of the ruling BJP in India.

    In several cities, the organizations that are signatory to this statement are co-sponsoring demonstrations against CNN and Mr. Aslan this weekend.  On Saturday, March 11, AHAD co-sponsored a protest by dozens of Hindu organizations in New York, NY to protest the show that denigrated Hindu dharma and depicted the holy city of Varanasi as a “city of death.”  Members of AHAD and VHPA also participated in community led protests in Atlanta, Houston, and, Washington, DC.  Additional community protests are planned in Chicago and San Francisco, where AHAD and VHPA members will participate.

    Utsav Chakrabarti, the Washington DC based coordinator of World Hindu Council of America (VHPA) said, “We express complete support towards a multitude of Hindu organizations and Indian American groups that joined hands to protest CNN’s dangerous misrepresentation of the Hindu community.  We also thank the plethora of individuals and organizations that came together to lead the efforts to voice our concerns to CNN.”

    Ajay Shah, convener of AHAD said, “Mr. Aslan has caused serious harm to Hindu community and put the safety of Hindu children in schools across the US in jeopardy.  Instead of propagating ignorance and hatred couched in sophistry, Mr. Aslan, a practicing Muslim, should meet with practitioners of mainstream Hindu faiths.  Learn about Hindu faith from our scholars, saints, priests and ascetics, and experience the practice of Hindu traditions from its practitioners and not merely from the libraries of elite institutions or known Hindu haters.” He added that “CNN has failed to hold itself to higher standards.  Despite being alerted about the offensive content, CNN proceeded to air the show without consultation with practicing Hindu experts.”

    Mr. Shah stated that, the Hindu organizations demand the following:

    1. An on-air apology from CNN and Mr. Aslan for offending a billion strong Hindu community
    2. No further airing of the offending episode
    3. A promise to consult practicing Hindu scholars nominated by Hindu Mandir Executive Council (HMEC),before programs relating to the Hindus are aired.

    The following organizations have formally joined AHAD actions, with more organizations preparing to join in next few days:

    • Hindu Mandir Executive Conference (HMEC)
    • Ekal Vidyalaya
    • World Hindu Council of America (VHPA)
    • Hindu Swayamsewak Sangh (HSS)
    • Overseas Friends of Bharatiya Janata Party (OFBJP)
    • Samskrit Bharati
    • Sewa International
    • US Hindu Alliance (USHA)
    • Param Shakti Peeth
    • Om Kriya Yog Spiritual Center of Barphani Dham (Ramanadachrya Sampraday)
    • Global Indians for Bharat Vikas (GIBV)
    • Gayatri Chetna Center of NJ
    • Gayatri Gyan Mandir of Itasca, IL
    • Overseas Hindu Sabha
    • Hindu Community Center, NJ
    • American Hindus Against Defamation

    About American Hindus Against Defamation (AHAD)

     

    American Hindus Against Defamation (AHAD) is the first and the most prominent Hindu organization in USA.  A project of World Hindu Council of America (VHPA), AHAD has been actively monitoring media and products to ensure accurate representation of Hindu dharma, culture, images and icons.

    For further information, please contact:

    Ajay Shah

    Convener, American Hindus Against Defamation (AHAD)
    http://www.hindunet.org/ahad
    ajay@hindunet.org
    Phone: (858) 866-9661

     

    About World Hindu Council of America (VHPA)

    World Hindu Council of America (VHPA) is the most prominent organization of Hindus in USA.  Founded in 1970, it has branches across the country.  For more information, please contact:

    Utsav Chakrabarti
    Relations Coordinator
    World Hindu Council of America (VHPA)
    P.O. Box 600
    460 Boston Rd, Billerica, MA 01821

    http://www.vhp-america.org/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vishwa.sampark

    Twitter: @VHPANews

  • AHAD Protest Against CNN’s Believer with Reza Aslan

    AHAD Protest Against CNN’s Believer with Reza Aslan

    We join the protest by American Hindus Against Defamation (AHAD) to demand that CNN stops airing “Believer with Reza Aslan” show until practicing Hindu scholars have reviewed the content to ensure that it does not promote xenophobia and Hinduphobia.

    We note that within days of seemingly racially motivated shooting of two Hindu engineers in Kansas, CNN is unleashing a program that is certain to promote xenophobia, specifically, Hinduphobia.

    We the petitioners believe that this crass representation of Hindu faith will do little to promote interfaith understanding. It will promote ignorance about Hindu traditions and promote ridicule of Hindu children in the schools. For example, a teacher has requested CNN on Facebook if the Hindu related episode will be available for teaching ancient Indian history to her sixth grade class! We believe that more schools will use these half-baked, un-researched and inappropriate content to portray Hindu traditions as mainstream and this will have wider Hinduphobic societal impact than CNN can imagine.

    We welcome Mr. Aslan to meet with practitioners of mainstream Hindu faiths. Learn about Hindu faith from our saints, priests and ascetics, and experience the practice of Hindu traditions from its practitioners and not merely from the libraries of elite institutions or known Hindu haters.

    As a major global media outlet, CNN must hold itself to higher standards. To ensure that the educational ideals of this series are met, we demand that Hindu related episodes in the series be reviewed by practicing Hindu experts before they are aired. After the Hindu related episodes are aired, Hindu scholars must be invited to discuss the content of the show on air, and provide a deeper Hindu perspective.

    Sign the Petition Here

  • CNN’s Believer with Reza Aslan Promotes Xenophobia and Hinduphobia

    Date: March 4, 2017

    The following statement was issued by Ajay Shah, Convener, American Hindus Against Defamation (AHAD)

    CNN’s “Believer with Reza Aslam” Show Promotes Xenophobia and Hinduphobia

    The following statement was issue by Ajay Shah, Convener, American Hindus Against Defamation.

    Within days of seemingly racially motivated shooting of two Hindu engineers in Kansas, CNN is unleashing a program that is certain to promote xenophobia, specifically, Hinduphobia.

    The six-part CNN series, “Believer with Reza Aslan,” purports to demystify some of the world religions, however, from the promotional material and review articles about the show, it is clear that the show paints Hindu dharma (spiritual, religion and cultural tradition) by accentuating a lesser understood tiny sect of a faith that count seventy ascetics among a one and a quarter billion adherents, whose mainstream practices and philosophical underpinnings have flourished for thousands of years.

    Ms. Aslan attributes the quest for societal-equality in Indian society to Aghori influence, ignoring the fact that underpinning of this equality is inherent in the most ancient of Hindu scriptures, including Rig Veda, the earliest scripture of Hindu dharma.  As most non-practicing Hindus, Mr. Aslan has not gained deeper understanding of difference between varna (caste label that is acquired based on profession and is not based on birth) and jaati (family association that traditionally passed through inheritance).

    A self-professed Muslim, Mr. Aslan has an interesting way to denigrate other religions.  He promotes moderate Islamic Sufi tradition as mainstream in the media, while ignoring the outrages inflicted by more prominent Wahabi ideology.  On the other hand, Mr. Aslan generalizes fringe elements of Hindu faith, while ignoring the peaceful, non-violent, all accepting and universal ideals of Hindu dharma.

    AHAD believes that this crass representation of Hindu faith will do little to promote interfaith understanding.  It will promote ignorance about Hindu traditions and promote ridicule of Hindu children in the schools.  For example, a teacher has requested CNN on Facebook if the Hindu related episode will be available for teaching ancient Indian history to her sixth grade class!  We believe that more schools will use these half-baked, un-researched and inappropriate content to portray Hindu traditions as mainstream and this will have wider Hinduphobic societal impact than CNN can imagine.

    We welcome Mr. Aslam to meet with practitioners of mainstream Hindu faiths.  Learn about Hindu faith from our saints, priests and ascetics, and experience the practice of Hindu traditions from its practitioners and not merely from the libraries of elite universities or known Hindu haters.

    As a major global media outlet, CNN must hold itself to higher standards.  To ensure that the educational ideals of this series are met, AHAD demands that Hindu related episodes in the series be reviewed by practicing Hindu experts before they are aired.  AHAD will be glad to provide such experts.  After the Hindu related episodes are aired, Hindu scholars must be invited to discuss the content of the show on air, and provide a deeper Hindu perspective.

    About American Hindus Against Defamation (AHAD)

    American Hindus Against Defamation (AHAD) is the first and the most prominent Hindu organization in USA.  A project of World Hindu Council of America (VHPA), AHAD has been actively monitoring media and products to ensure accurate representation of Hindu dharma, culture, images and icons.

    For further information, please contact:

    Ajay Shah

    Convener, American Hindus Against Defamation (AHAD)
    http://www.hindunet.org/ahad
    ajay@hindunet.org
    Phone: (858) 866-9661

    About World Hindu Council of America (VHPA)

    World Hindu Council of America (VHPA) is the most prominent organization of Hindus in USA.  Founded in 1970, it has branches across the country.  For more information, please contact:

     

    Utsav Chakrabarti
    Relations Coordinator
    World Hindu Council of America (VHPA)
    P.O. Box 600
    460 Boston Rd, Billerica, MA 01821

    http://www.vhp-america.org/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vishwa.sampark

    Twitter: @VHPANews

  • Lord Ganesh disappears from sandals, appears on handbags: Deccan Herald

    Lord Ganesh disappears from sandals, appears on handbags: Deccan Herald

    Lord Ganesh disappeared from flip-flop shoes but has now appeared on handbags made by the same American company.American Eagles Outfitters withdrew the offending shoes with an image of Lord Ganesh in response to a signature campaign by a Hindu organisation.

    However, it was discovered that the same company makes a handbag showing Lord Ganesh in a “derogatory fashion”. So now the Hindu organisation wants the company to withdraw the handbags from the market. The protest against the offending shoes was launched by the American Hindus Against Defamation (AHAD).

    It is sponsored by World Hindu Council of America (VHP-A).
    A senior executive of the company conveyed to the organisation that American Eagle Outfitters will remove from its stores the flip flop shoes that include a likeness of Lord Ganesh.
    He said: “Our goal at American Eagle Outfitters is to make AE brand merchandise that is fashionable and affordable for our customers in an inclusive and equitable environment. We value diversity and respect the ideal of freedom of expression of all religious and cultural beliefs.

    On behalf of American Eagle Outfitters, please accept this letter as our formal apology for our use of the image resembling Lord Ganesh on this product.

    Again, this letter confirms that we will remove these flip flop shoes from our stores in order to maintain the good will and our customer relations with the Hindu community.

    We appreciate your interest in the American Eagle brand and hope that you will continue to be satisfied customers of American Eagle Outfitters.”
    The American Hindus Against Defamation claimed a “partial” victory and said that its protest petition had already been signed online by more than 4200 people. It said the protest against American Eagle Outfitters will continue, until all the products depicting Hindu deities in a derogatory fashion are withdrawn.

  • Protest the Caricature of Hindu Deities to Sell Alcohol in Austin, TX

    Protest the Caricature of Hindu Deities to Sell Alcohol in Austin, TX

     

    We the undersigned have recently noticed that your bar and restaurant, Whip In is caricaturing Hindu deities to sell alcohol.

    We find the imagery and labels you have used to brand your ales,

    Saraswatisaison
    Lakshmi Hefe
    Parvati Pale Ale
    RadhakrishnaWit
    the Ganesale
    the Kalidurgale
    the Gayatribrews
    Gayatrigrowlers

    have direct connotation to the names of the most sacred Hindu deities (representation of Hindu Gods and Goddesses), Saraswati, Parvati, Gayatri, Kali and Durga, Rama, Krishna and Ganesha. The images used on the alcohol bottles as depicted on your website indicate that you clearly intend to make this connection.

    We deplore the use of Hindu images and sacred names to sell a product that is irrelevant to Hindu spiritual practices. This caricature of Hindu deities to promote alcohol is abusive commercial use of Hindu deities and symbols and scriptures. It denigrates the Hindu dharma and hurts the sentiments of its practitioners.

    We strongly request that you replace the Hindu images and names from your branding immediately and apologize to the Hindu community for hurting their sentiments.

     

  • Destruction of UNESCO Heritage Bujang Valley Site in Malaysia

    Destruction of UNESCO Heritage Bujang Valley Site in Malaysia

    Dear Sir,

    Namaskar!

    We protest the sale of planned demolition of Bujang Valley UNESCO Heritage and Archeological site by the Malaysian Government for housing development.

    Kadaram (Kedah) is part of the ancient King Raja Raja Cholan’s kingdom. Raja Raja Chola built many temples in Kedah in the eight century, however the only surviving temple is in Bujang Valley. Bujang Valley is recognized as a heritage place which is older than Angkor Watt in Cambodia.

    The global Hindu community, led by American Hindus Against Defamation, a project of World Hindu Council of America and other supporting organizations asserts that the Malaysian government does not have a right to sell this UNESCO heritage site and the land surrounding it for commercial and housing development.

    We also express our concerns for other dharmic heritage sites in Malaysia such as Kota Gelanggi. We believe that it is the responsibility of Malaysian Government to preserve and protect these Malaysian Hindu heritage sites. The preservation of these sites will be a testament to Malaysia’s great ancient heritage and an important link to Malaysian past.

     

    Sign Protest Here