Virginia brewery asked to withdraw Hanuman beer

Madhu Patel

CHICAGO: A cross section of Indian Americans peeved at blatant commercialization and misuse of Lord Hanuman name in market marketing beer by Salem (Virginia) based Olde Salem Brewing Company have strongly asked the company to apologize and withdraw its “Hanuman” (Spanish Milk Stout) beer
The protest against Lord Hanuman name is led by Rajan Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism. It asserts that any inappropriate usage of Hindu deities or concepts or symbols for commercial or other agenda is not okay as it hurt the devotees.

Lord Hanuman was highly revered in Hinduism and was meant to be worshipped in temples or home shrines and not to be used in selling beer for mercantile intent. Moreover, linking Lord Hanuman with an alcoholic beverage was very disrespectful.
In Hinduism, Lord Hanuman is known for incredible strength and was perfect grammarian.

Goal of Olde Salem Brewing Company, “located at the very heart” of Salem’s “Historic Main Street District”, is “to make thoughtfully crafted beer worth sharing and enjoying with others”. It claims to craft “every beer in house with full-flavored and innovative tastes”. Sean Turk is the owner, while Kevin Campbell is the brewmaster.