Madhu Patel
CHICAGO: Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA) in Sydney, “Australia’s leading museum”, withdrew Lord Ganesha Finger Puppet from sale in its Store after a vehement protest from a very large section of Indians across the world who deemed it, “highlyoutrageous”.
MCA, in an email to Rajan Zed, who spearheaded the protest, maintained that as soon as this issue was brought to the Museum’s attention, the finger puppet was removed from the store.
Rajan in his capacity as the President of Universal Society of Hinduism, thanked MCA for understanding the concerns of Hindu community, which felt that such a marketing move was insensitive as Lord Ganeshais a highly revered deity meant to be worshipped in temples or home shrines and not to be manipulated by finger.
Hinduism is the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about 1.2 billion adherents and a rich philosophical thought.It is one of the fastest growing religions in Australia, and according to 2016 census, formed 1.9% of the country’s population numbering at 440,300. Symbols of any faith, larger or smaller, should not be mishandled.
MCA, opened in 1991, receives over a million visitors annually and its collection contains over 4000 works by Australian artists. Objectionable Ganesha Finger Puppet, before its removal, was priced at $15.50 at MCA Store, which claims to be “Recognized as one of the best museum stores in the world”.
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