Madhu Patel
CHICAGO: Sunshine Coast (Queensland, Australia) based yoga mat firm “Enlightened Koala” has removed yoga mat carrying image of Lord Ganesha after a strong protest from a large number of Indians across the world who calling it “highly inappropriate”.
Rossana Ruschel, owner of Enlightened Koala, in an email to Rajan Zed, who spearheaded the protest, wrote: …the design has been removed from the website and it will be discontinued. I’m sorry if I cause any harm, it certainly was not my intention.
Responding tothis communication, Rajan President of Universal Society of Hinduism thanked and maintained that such a product was insensitive.
Hinduism is the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about 1.2 billion adherents and a rich philosophical thought and it should not be taken frivolously. Symbols of any faith, larger or smaller, should not be mishandled.
Objectionable Ganesha Mat, which was claimed to have been “designed to help you clear your path”, was priced at $129.90 before the removal.
“Enlightened Koala Meaningful Yoga Mats”, whose tagline is “Discover Yourself”, sells mats and accessories. Its website states: Enlightened Koala Mats are not the regular pretty mats. They are designed for those who seek to better understand themselves… they bring purpose to your practice…They’re a powerful tool and reminder that you are a lot more than you think.
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