Raipur (Chhattisgarh) – In a significant victory for the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS), ‘Shri Ganesha Global Gulal Pvt Ltd.’ has issued an unconditional written apology after publishing an offensive advertisement on the occasion of Mahashivratri in leading Chhattisgarh newspapers – Dainik Bhaskar and Haribhumi.
The protest was led by Mr Sunil Ghanwat (State Organiser of HJS for Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh), along with Mr Kamal Biswal from the Chhattisgarh unit. Following demands for Police action by HJS, the company issued a written apology.
(Our intention in providing these images is not to hurt anyone’s religious sentiments, but to make it clear about the ridicule done by Hindu opponents, and this has been published with that intention. – Editor)
What was objectionable in the advertisement ?
The advertisement featured highly offensive and derogatory depictions for commercial gains. Shri Ganesh was shown holding packets of ‘Gulal’ and ‘Thandai’, portraying Him as a commercial model. By showcasing Deities as ‘salesmen’ on the Holy occasion of Mahashivratri, the company commercialized their Divine form. Additionally, the advertisement reportedly featured foreign fictional characters such as ‘Captain America’ alongside Deity Shiva and the Shivaling, which is a grave insult and mockery of Hindu faith.
Company acknowledges blunder
Following the intense protest, the company’s director, Umang Goyal, admitted that displaying their products in the hands of Shri Ganesh was a major blunder and an unintentional mistake. In a formal letter of apology, the company stated that the incident occurred inadvertently and expressed sincere regret to the Hindu Sanatani community. It also assured that such an error would not be repeated in the future.
HJS maintains that using Hindu Deities for commercial advertisements is a direct disrespect to their sanctity and divinity. The sensitivity and seriousness shown towards the symbols of other religions must be accorded to Hindu faith as well. HJS warned that the legal struggle and public awareness against those who hurt religious sentiments in the name of creativity will continue resolutely.
How do denigrations impact society ?
The sacred Bhagawadgeeta says – धर्मो रक्षति रक्षित: I (Dharma protects those who uphold Dharma). Upholding Dharma in the present times is not limited to preserving and practicing Dharma, it also means protecting Dharma from various onslaughts. One such onslaught is the constant denigration or mockery of Hindu seats of faith. Denigration means displaying something in an undesirable manner, one that is different from its original form. At the spiritual level, it leads to increased pollution due to the base Raja and Tama vibrations. It is our duty to use all lawful means at our disposal to counter this adharma, whereby :
1. Sentiments associated with the seats of faith are hurt
2. Set unwanted examples for future generations
3. Create a doubt about the credibility about the Divine
4. Lead to exclusion of religious practices & facilitate gradual demise of certain important practices4
Please visit HJS website to understand various kinds of denigrations taking place and HJS’ efforts to stop these denigrations so as to preserve Dharmik values in society.
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