MADHU PATEL
CHICAGO: A large number of Indian Americans have urged Zorestina, an Indianapolis based online T-shirt and accessories company, to immediately withdraw some of its products, which denigrate and trivialize their sacred religious symbols and concepts.
The protest is led by Rajan Zed who pointed out that it was hurtful to see highly revered symbols and concepts juxtaposed with obscenity on the merchandise sold by this company.
Zed, who is the president of the Universal Society of Hinduism, observed that it was highly insensitive for a business to push its products which were seemingly disrespecting, ridiculing and disparaging the deeply held belief system of a large segment of world’s population. The highly venerated “Om” is the mystical syllable which in Hinduism is used to introduce and conclude religious work, he argued.
“Namaste”, that means “I bow the divine in you”, besides being a customary Hindu greeting, is also an expression of reverence and veneration, and is used in worship also.
The Zorestina CEO has been asked to withdraw the objectionable products.
Hinduism is the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about 1.1 billion adherents and a rich philosophical thought and it should not be taken frivolously. Symbols or concepts of any faith, large or small, should not be mishandled.
The denigration and trivialization of Hindu symbols and concepts was disturbing to the Hindus world over. followers.
Products of Zorestina, launched in 2016 and which calls itself “Premium T-shirt & Accessories Shop”; include t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, long sleeve shirt, tank, pillowcases, bags, phone-cases, and mugs.
