CHICAGO: Defiling Hindu deities with inappropriate usage in doormats, underwears and similar other things seems to have become a passion with some of the manufacturers and suppliers of consumer goods in many Western countries and it is then left to huge protests and uproar from upset Indians that better sense prevails over them and they bow to their demand and respect their feelings for good of all
The latest in this line is the Boston headquartered online home giant marketing their bathmats carrying image of Hindu deity Ganesha. The hurt Indians have protested strongly calling it highly inappropriate and have urged Wayfair to immediately withdraw these products
The protest led by Rajan Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism, has huge backing from Madhu Patel and Nand Kapur, former head of Association of Indians in America.
It is pointed out that that Lord Ganesha was highly revered in Hinduism and was meant to be worshipped in temples or home shrines and not to put/wipe your feet on. Inappropriate usage of Hindu deities or concepts for commercial or other agenda was not okay as it hurt the devotees.
A spokeswoman for Wayfair says the company was unaware of the concerns, but said whenever there is a complaint about a product the company investigates and takes appropriate action, according to a report published in Washington Times. Rajan Zed has also sought a formal apology from Wayfair
In Hinduism, Lord Ganesha is worshipped as god of wisdom and remover of obstacles and is invoked before the beginning of any major undertaking. There are about three million Hindus in USA. Ganesha bathmats at Wayfair sell up to $55.99.
Award-winning Wayfair, founded in 2002, claims to be “one of the world’s largest online destinations for the home” with over seven million products, which included “one of the world’s largest online selections of furniture, home furnishings, décor and goods”. It claims to have generated $3.14 billion in net evenue for the 12 months ending September 30. Besides Massachusetts headquarters; it also reportedly has presence in New York, Utah, Kentucky, Ireland, United Kingdom, Germany and Australia.
Suresh Shah
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