An international Hindu organization is urging that Nanaimo-based company Om Boys pull a jacket it deems offensive.
In a press release, Rajan Zed, Universal Society of Hinduism president, said a red plaid jacket, with the likeness of deity Ganesh holding a wrench and engine parts, is 91Ƶhighly inappropriate.91Ƶ Zed said Lord Ganesh is revered in Hinduism and is meant to be worshipped at temples and shrines.
91ƵInappropriate usage of Hindu deities or concepts for commercial or other agenda [is] not OK as it hurt the devotees,91Ƶ Zed said in the news release.
Zed also asked Om Boys and its CEO issue an apology.
Jesse Jeans, Om Boys spokesman, said it isn91Ƶt the company91Ƶs intention to offend anyone.
91ƵThat91Ƶs not what the brand91Ƶs about at all,91Ƶ said Jeans. 91ƵIt91Ƶs in my write-up on the 91Ƶabout91Ƶ section [of www.omboys.ca]. They91Ƶll see that it91Ƶs totally not to offend anybody.91Ƶ
According to Om Boys91Ƶ website, its mission is to raise awareness about Crohn91Ƶs, colitis and irritable bowel syndrome. The intention of Om Boys is to support a movement called Project Om, with proceeds going back to the community through random acts of kindness.
91ƵThe designs are not created to make fun of, or offend anyone. They are artistic creations of my world. Motorcycles, surf, skate, yoga, meditation, spirituality and the love for Vancouver Island. Everything we do is printed locally and designed by local artists,91Ƶ Jeans said in a subsequent e-mail. 91ƵOur customer base so far has come from all walks of life. Our next design might even have 91Ƶall91Ƶ the different religions riding motorbikes together, having fun, getting along and call it, 91ƵOne Love.91Ƶ91Ƶ
Zed was contacted and indicated he would be providing further comment.
The Nanaimo Hindu Cultural Society was contacted, but didn91Ƶt immediately respond to a request for comment.
reporter@nanaimobulletin.com
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