swastika2

AHAD Demands that New York State Senate include the Nazi Hakenkreuz and NOT the sacred Swastika in New York school curriculum

by with No Comment AHADInfoLegislationsPress Releases

American Hindus Against Defamation (AHAD) an initiative of World Hindu Council of America (VHPA), has issued the following statement on NY State Senate Bill SS 6648:

NY State Senate Bill SS 06648 sponsored by Senator Todd Kaminsky (D) 9TH SENATE DISTRICT and co-sponsored by Senators Joseph Addabbo Jr (D) 15TH SENATE DISTRICT, Alessandra Biaggi (D, WF) 34TH SENATE DISTRICT, John Brooks (D) 8TH SENATE DISTRICT, and  David Carlucci (D) 38TH SENATE DISTRICT has a stated purpose to require that the New York school children be educated regarding the meaning of swastikas and nooses as symbols of hatred and intolerance.

Ajay Shah, Convenor of American Hindus Against Defamation (AHAD), an initiative of World Hindu Council of America (VHPA) said that, “the proposed NY State Sentate Bill SS 06648 requiring instruction regarding symbols of hate to be incorporated into the curricula for grades six through twelve perpetuate ignorance and promotes HinduPhobia in schools across New York state. AHAD pledges to work with other Hindu organizations to ensure that this legislation is modified to remove the references to Swastika.”

American Jewish Committee (AJC) working with the VHPA and other Hindu organizations in Washington, DC has produced a brochure titled, “Understanding Swastika, Use and Abuse of a sacred symbol.”  The AJC brochure quotes, the following from Declaration of the Second Hindu-Jewish Leadership Summit, held in February 2008, Jerusalem, “The Svastika is an ancient and greatly auspicious symbol of the Hindu tradition. It is inscribed on Hindu temples, ritual altars, entrances, and even account books. A distorted version of this sacred symbol was misappropriated by the Third Reich in Germany, and abused as an emblem under which heinous crimes were perpetrated against humanity, particularly the Jewish people. The participants recognize that this symbol is, and has been sacred to Hindus for millennia, long before its misappropriation.” Shah said, “We believe that this brochure in itself is sufficient to remove Swastika from the purported purpose of this legislation.” 

Swastika is considered one of the most sacred symbols by religious traditions that evolved in India (dharmic traditions), including Hindu, Jain, Buddhist and Sikh faiths.  The history of the Swastika is over 10,000 years old. It has appeared in several civilizations all throughout the world. From Greece and Rome to the Druids and Celts. Today, the Swastika is an integral part of many cultures including India and East Asian cultures that adhere to Buddhism. It has regularly been donned on Hindu homes, businesses, temples, and other objects. Hindu families gather round to place it in front of their homes for good luck and protection. 

Unfortunately, 10,000 years of a symbol of wellbeing was desecrated by the monstrous regime of Nazi Germany, in the first half of the 20th century. Hitler perverted a symbol of goodness to fuel his agenda of hate. Utsav Chakrabarty, World Hindu Council of America Director of Advocacy and Awareness said, “We acknowledge the horrid way the swastika has been misused and misinterpreted. Even though Hitler never used the word “Swastika”, and instead used the same symbol, calling it Hakenkreuz, for the past 70 years, the Swastika continues to remain a vilified and maligned symbol. This must be corrected. Instead of censoring the symbol, we must celebrate the positive  history of it. We must reclaim it from Hitler and the followers of his hateful ideology. This wrong must be righted.”

To label the Swastika as a symbol of hate would be a grave insult to 1.8 billion Hindus and Buddhists around the world. It would be a grave insult to over 300,000 Hindu New Yorkers who come from diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds, and contribute immensely to the community and economy. Today’s political climate demonstrates the importance of diversity and celebrating ones’ heritage. Maligning this ancient heritage would be a step backwards in promoting interfaith harmony and would lead to increase in hate crimes and Hinduphobia.  AHAD demands that the meaning and significance of Swastika be included in the educational curriculum so that the hate crimes against Hindus are not perpetuated.

About AHAD

American Hindus Against Defamation (AHAD) is the first and the most prominent Hindu organization against defamation in the USA.  An initiative of World Hindu Council of America (VHPA), AHAD has been actively monitoring mass media, products, public places etc. to ensure respectful and accurate representation of Hindu dharma, culture, images and icons. Active since 1997, hundreds of thousands of Hindus have participated in various advocacy activities led by AHAD.

About World Hindu Council of America (VHPA)

World Hindu Council of America (VHPA) is the most prominent organization of Hindus in the USA.  Founded in 1970, it has chapters across the country.   VHPA runs educational programs for Hindu children and youth in addition to community service (Seva) activities, and initiatives such as Hindu Mandir Executives’ Conference (HMEC), Hindu Womens’ Network, American Hindus Against Defamation (AHAD), Hindu Policy Research and Advocacy Collective USA (HinduPACT).

Indian-Hindu-Priest-Swami-Harish-Chander-Puri

AHAD / VHPA Decries Attack on Hindu Priest in New York

by with No Comment AHADInfoHate Bias Discrimination AttacksPress Releases

The following statement was issued by World Hindu Council of America (VHPA)   

The World Hindu Council of America (VHPA) decries the attack on the Hindu priest, Swamiji Harishchander Puri in Queens, New York.  Swamiji, the priest at the Shiv Shakti Peeth in Glen Oaks, was walking down the street wearing his religious dress, clearly identifying him as a Hindu priest.   

Speaking on behalf of VHPA and American Hindus Against Defamation (AHAD), Ajay Shah, Vice President of VHPA for Awareness and PR and Conveneer of AHAD said, “The attack on the Hindu priest in Queens, NY is just beyond an attack on a Hindu priest as an individual.  This attack is the manifestation of hate towards Hindu community and mode of worship, and it is clearly intended to intimidate Hindus of Queens.  VHPA and AHAD demand that the NY police immediately investigate this attack on Swamiji Harishchander Puri as a hate crime and prosecute the perpetrator of the crime to the fullest extent of law.”

Sanjay Mehta, General Secretary of VHPA and a key organizer of Hindu Mandir Executives’ Conference (HMEC) stated that, “HMEC condemns the attack on Swami Harishchander Puriji of Shiv Shakti Peeth Mandir in Queens, NY.  While we count on the law enforcement to take action against the perpetrator of crime against Swami Harishchander Puri, the HMEC stands ready to provide legal and other support needed by Swamiji, Shiv Shakti Peeth and the Queens Hindu community.   HMEC and its associated project, HIndu Mandir Priests Conference (HMPC), will continue to fight ignorance of Hindu dharma and hate towards Hindus.  In the upcoming annual meet of HMEC, from Sept 20-22, 2019 in East Hanover, New Jersey, there will be a special workshop on Mandir security and broader community engagement and education.”  

About World Hindu Council of America (VHPA)

World Hindu Council of America (VHPA) is the most prominent organization of Hindus in USA.  Founded in 1970, it has branches across the country.   VHPA runs educational programs for Hindu children and youth in addition to community service (seva) activities.

About American Hindus Against Defamation (AHAD)

A project of VHPA, AHAD is the first and foremost coalition of prominent Hindu organizations dedicated to the the preservation of the sanctity of Hindu symbols, icons, culture and customs.

About Hindu Mandir Executives’ Conference (HMEC)

An initiative of VHPA, HMEC offers Mandir (temple) Executives’, Priests, Hindu community leaders and Scholars a networking forum for: 

  • Building, preserving and strengthening of Mandirs in North America
  • Engaging youth in temple operations
  • Providing leadership, networking and building a strong community
  • Engaging in interfaith dialog
  • Social Services

Hundreds of mandir executives participate in HMEC each year.

About Hindu Mandir Priests’ Conference (HMPC)

An initiative of VHPA and HMEC, HMPC is forum that brings HIndu priests from North American temples together.

  • The purohits (priests) play an essential role in the spiritual and cultural welfare of North American Hindu society. The conferees will explore ways to make the priests’ roles more effective in meeting the ever changing needs of North American Hindus.
Promotion of lamb meat using the image of Lord Ganesha

AHAD Adds Global Hindu Voice to Protest Against Crass Australian Meat and Livestock Advertisement Depicting Lord Ganesha

by with No Comment AHADInfoOnline ProtestsPress Releases

For Immediate Release

9/21/2017

The following statement was issued by Ajay Shah, Convenor, American Hindus Against Defamation and Utsav Chakrabarty, Public Relations Coordinator, World Hindu Council of America (VHPA)

AHAD Adds Global Hindu Voice to Protest Against Crass Australian Meat and Livestock Advertisement Depicting Lord Ganesha

American Hindus Against Defamation (AHAD), the most prominent Hindu organization against Hindu defamation joins the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of Australia’s protest against Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) advertisement depicting beloved Hindu God Shree Ganesha for promotion of lamb meat (https://youtu.be/f8kuoFGgj8s).  The commercial further insults Lord Ganesha eating lamb meat, as “the elephant in the room.”  Additionally, dharmic saints wearing saffron are shown eating lamb meat.

Ganesha, holds a special place in the hearts of Hindus around the world.  Lord Ganesha is also revered by other dharmic traditions around the world, including Jains Sikhs, and Buddhists.  Buddhists, worship Lord Ganesha as the Buddhist God Vinayaka throughout Asia, including China and Japan.  In fact, many Buddhist traditions believe that Buddha himself was an avatar of Ganesha.

Ajay Shah, the Convenor of AHAD said, “To use the symbol of nonviolent faiths to promote a product that that represents the ultimate violence against innocent animals is abhorrent.  It is ironic that, Lord Ganesha is used to promote meat, whereas, millions of Hindus celebrate the festival attributed to Lord Ganesha, by fasting and abstaining from food.  Today, American Hindus stand united in their opposition to MLA’s  advertisement and demand that it be withdrawn immediately.“

AHAD is registering its strong protest against MLA with the Australian Advertising Standards Bureau.  The Bureau has apparently judged the advertisement to be non-offensive.  AHAD contends that Australian Advertising Standards Bureau has absolutely no expertise or right to judge what is offensive and non-offensive to Hindus.  The Bureau should have consulted credible Hindu organizations like VHP- Australia (akilaramarathinam@gmail.com) before making its determination.  AHAD requests the Australian Minister for Multicultural Affairs to take note of this advertisement and take take action against its further propagation.

AHAD will also reach out to Buddhist communities across Asia and urge them to boycott Australian lamb based product until AMC withdraws its advertisement depicting Lord Ganesha and saffron clad Hindu priest and tenders an apology to the Hindu community.  AHAD has also launched an online protest against AMC advertisement (http://indiapetitions.com/protest-meat-and-livestock-australias-portrayal-of-lord-ganesha-eating-lamb-in-advertisement/) where the global community can sign a petition and let their voice be heard.

About American Hindus Against Defamation (AHAD)

American Hindus Against Defamation (AHAD) is the first and the most prominent Hindu organization in USA.  A project of World Hindu Council of America (VHPA), AHAD has been actively monitoring media and products to ensure accurate representation of Hindu dharma, culture, images and icons.

For further information, please contact:

Ajay Shah
Convener, American Hindus Against Defamation (AHAD)
http://www.hindunet.org/ahad
ajay@hindunet.org
Phone: (858) 866-9661

About World Hindu Council of America (VHPA)

World Hindu Council of America (VHPA) is the most prominent organization of Hindus in USA.  Founded in 1970, it has branches across the country.  For more information, please contact:

Utsav Chakrabarti

Public Relations Coordinator
World Hindu Council of America (VHPA)
P.O. Box 600
460 Boston Rd, Billerica, MA 01821

http://www.vhp-america.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vishwa.sampark
Twitter: @VHPANews

scroll and quill clipart

AHAD Announces Registry of Attacks on Hindus in USA

by with No Comment AHADInfoMediaPress Releases

 

April 6, 2017

The following statement was issue by Ajay Shah, Convener, American Hindus Against Defamation:

There have been several attacks on the followers of Sanatana Dharma across the USA in past few months.  On February 22, 2017, two Indian software engineers, Srinivas Kuchibhotla and Alok Madasani were shot in Kansas, resulting in Kuchibhotla’s death.  On March 2, 2017, Harnish Patel, a convenience store owner was shot dead in South Carolina and On March 3, Deep Rai, a Sikh was shot in his own driveway in Seattle.  While three incidents do not necessarily make a trend, a rapid succession of events have traumatized and aggravated the Hindu community and the community is now grappling for answers.

AHAD, the most prominent organization dedicated to countering defamation of  Hindu dharma, encompassing of spiritual, social, religious practices, culture, icons and images, has announced creation of a registry to document all the cases of hate and bias against Hindus across the US.  This first-of-a-kind registry will record verified information about religious hate-driven incidents, violent and non-violent attacks, online and off-line harassment and bullying, abuse, stalking, and discrimination in schools, colleges, workplace, public and private places.

AHAD coalition members have consistently helped Hindus targeted due to hate or bias since the days of Dotbuster attacks in early 1980s.  As the leading Hindu organizations in US, we would like to assure the Hindu community that AHAD and its coalition partners will serve as community resources.  We stand ready to help you in your need.  If you are a victim of violence, harassment, or abuse due to your belief, religious practices, race, or national origin, report the incident to the local law enforcement, and, document the incident details to AHAD at ahad.hindunet.org.  Community guidelines for Hindus who have faced hate in any form is available on the AHAD website.  AHAD also plans to organize community programs across the country to raise awareness of Hindu issues.

Hindu tolerance and penchant for peace and universality should not be taken as a sign of our weakness.   In the cases of recent incidences our community received needed support from the authorities, and the community is appreciative of the support received.   We will work closely with local, state and federal agencies to ensure that appropriate legal actions are taken against hate crimes and abuses, and the religious freedom and rights of the Hindu community in the US are protected as guaranteed by the US constitution.

While there are many in a society that are driven by xenophobia and Hinduphobia, sometimes aided and abated by shows such as Reza Aslan’s Believers on CNN, we have come to appreciate that at its very core, the United States is a diverse, and welcoming society.  The presence of three million relatively recent Hindu immigrants and the second generation of Hindus, many of them, students in schools and colleges a testament to the openness of a nation that has attracted and embraced the universal and peaceful ideals of Sanatana Dharma.  The Hindu community is now actively engaged in the American life.  The Hindus are now joining the armed forces to defend the country, and participating in many local and national charity programs, including support for families of our troops, disaster relief, education assistance, blood donation drives, and services for homeless.  In the ancient Vedic spirit of “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah,” (May All Become Happy), Hindus too, have welcomed over 20 million Americans to some of the core practices of Hindu dharma as we collectively progress towards peace and prosperity

About American Hindus Against Defamation (AHAD) 

American Hindus Against Defamation (AHAD) is the first and the most prominent Hindu organization in USA.  A project of World Hindu Council of America (VHPA), AHAD has been actively monitoring media and products to ensure accurate representation of Hindu dharma, culture, images and icons.

For further information, please contact:

Ajay Shah 

Convener, American Hindus Against Defamation (AHAD)
http://www.hindunet.org/ahad
ajay@hindunet.org
Phone: (858) 866-9661

About World Hindu Council of America (VHPA)

World Hindu Council of America (VHPA) is the most prominent organization of Hindus in USA.  Founded in 1970, it has branches across the country.  For more information, please contact:

Utsav Chakrabarti
Relations Coordinator
World Hindu Council of America (VHPA)
P.O. Box 600
460 Boston Rd, Billerica, MA 01821

http://www.vhp-america.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vishwa.sampark

Twitter: @VHPANews

 

Reza Aslan Promoting Hinduphobia

Protest Against Reza Aslan’s Hinduphobic “Believer” on CNN Gains Steam as Major Hindu Organizations Unite to Demand Apology from CNN

by with No Comment AHADInfoPress Releases

Date: March 11, 2017

The following statement was issued by Ajay Shah, Convener, American Hindus Against Defamation (AHAD)

Protest Against Reza Aslan’s Hinduphobic “Believer” on CNN Gains Steam as Major Hindu Organizations Unite to Demand Apology from CNN

The following statement was issue by Ajay Shah, Convener, American Hindus Against Defamation.

Led by the American Hindus Against Defamation (AHAD), several Hindu Organizations have issued a joint statement against CNN demanding that it stop further airing “Believer with Reza Aslan” and issue an apology to the Hindu community for promoting xenophobia and Hinduphobia.

The participating organizations include, Hindu Mandir Executive Council (HMEC), representing over 150 temples across North America, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) with chapters in over one hundred cities in the US, Samskrita Bharati an authoritative source for Samskrita (Sanskrit) education across the world, Ekal Vidyalaya, a US sponsor of over 55,000 one teacher schools across India and Nepal and OFBJP, the US unit of the ruling BJP in India.

In several cities, the organizations that are signatory to this statement are co-sponsoring demonstrations against CNN and Mr. Aslan this weekend.  On Saturday, March 11, AHAD co-sponsored a protest by dozens of Hindu organizations in New York, NY to protest the show that denigrated Hindu dharma and depicted the holy city of Varanasi as a “city of death.”  Members of AHAD and VHPA also participated in community led protests in Atlanta, Houston, and, Washington, DC.  Additional community protests are planned in Chicago and San Francisco, where AHAD and VHPA members will participate.

Utsav Chakrabarti, the Washington DC based coordinator of World Hindu Council of America (VHPA) said, “We express complete support towards a multitude of Hindu organizations and Indian American groups that joined hands to protest CNN’s dangerous misrepresentation of the Hindu community.  We also thank the plethora of individuals and organizations that came together to lead the efforts to voice our concerns to CNN.”

Ajay Shah, convener of AHAD said, “Mr. Aslan has caused serious harm to Hindu community and put the safety of Hindu children in schools across the US in jeopardy.  Instead of propagating ignorance and hatred couched in sophistry, Mr. Aslan, a practicing Muslim, should meet with practitioners of mainstream Hindu faiths.  Learn about Hindu faith from our scholars, saints, priests and ascetics, and experience the practice of Hindu traditions from its practitioners and not merely from the libraries of elite institutions or known Hindu haters.” He added that “CNN has failed to hold itself to higher standards.  Despite being alerted about the offensive content, CNN proceeded to air the show without consultation with practicing Hindu experts.”

Mr. Shah stated that, the Hindu organizations demand the following:

  1. An on-air apology from CNN and Mr. Aslan for offending a billion strong Hindu community
  2. No further airing of the offending episode
  3. A promise to consult practicing Hindu scholars nominated by Hindu Mandir Executive Council (HMEC),before programs relating to the Hindus are aired.

The following organizations have formally joined AHAD actions, with more organizations preparing to join in next few days:

  • Hindu Mandir Executive Conference (HMEC)
  • Ekal Vidyalaya
  • World Hindu Council of America (VHPA)
  • Hindu Swayamsewak Sangh (HSS)
  • Overseas Friends of Bharatiya Janata Party (OFBJP)
  • Samskrit Bharati
  • Sewa International
  • US Hindu Alliance (USHA)
  • Param Shakti Peeth
  • Om Kriya Yog Spiritual Center of Barphani Dham (Ramanadachrya Sampraday)
  • Global Indians for Bharat Vikas (GIBV)
  • Gayatri Chetna Center of NJ
  • Gayatri Gyan Mandir of Itasca, IL
  • Overseas Hindu Sabha
  • Hindu Community Center, NJ
  • American Hindus Against Defamation

About American Hindus Against Defamation (AHAD)

 

American Hindus Against Defamation (AHAD) is the first and the most prominent Hindu organization in USA.  A project of World Hindu Council of America (VHPA), AHAD has been actively monitoring media and products to ensure accurate representation of Hindu dharma, culture, images and icons.

For further information, please contact:

Ajay Shah

Convener, American Hindus Against Defamation (AHAD)
http://www.hindunet.org/ahad
ajay@hindunet.org
Phone: (858) 866-9661

 

About World Hindu Council of America (VHPA)

World Hindu Council of America (VHPA) is the most prominent organization of Hindus in USA.  Founded in 1970, it has branches across the country.  For more information, please contact:

Utsav Chakrabarti
Relations Coordinator
World Hindu Council of America (VHPA)
P.O. Box 600
460 Boston Rd, Billerica, MA 01821

http://www.vhp-america.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vishwa.sampark

Twitter: @VHPANews

2017-03-04_18-55-39

CNN’s Believer with Reza Aslan Promotes Xenophobia and Hinduphobia

by with No Comment AHADInfoPress Releases

Date: March 4, 2017

The following statement was issued by Ajay Shah, Convener, American Hindus Against Defamation (AHAD)

CNN’s “Believer with Reza Aslam” Show Promotes Xenophobia and Hinduphobia

The following statement was issue by Ajay Shah, Convener, American Hindus Against Defamation.

Within days of seemingly racially motivated shooting of two Hindu engineers in Kansas, CNN is unleashing a program that is certain to promote xenophobia, specifically, Hinduphobia.

The six-part CNN series, “Believer with Reza Aslan,” purports to demystify some of the world religions, however, from the promotional material and review articles about the show, it is clear that the show paints Hindu dharma (spiritual, religion and cultural tradition) by accentuating a lesser understood tiny sect of a faith that count seventy ascetics among a one and a quarter billion adherents, whose mainstream practices and philosophical underpinnings have flourished for thousands of years.

Ms. Aslan attributes the quest for societal-equality in Indian society to Aghori influence, ignoring the fact that underpinning of this equality is inherent in the most ancient of Hindu scriptures, including Rig Veda, the earliest scripture of Hindu dharma.  As most non-practicing Hindus, Mr. Aslan has not gained deeper understanding of difference between varna (caste label that is acquired based on profession and is not based on birth) and jaati (family association that traditionally passed through inheritance).

A self-professed Muslim, Mr. Aslan has an interesting way to denigrate other religions.  He promotes moderate Islamic Sufi tradition as mainstream in the media, while ignoring the outrages inflicted by more prominent Wahabi ideology.  On the other hand, Mr. Aslan generalizes fringe elements of Hindu faith, while ignoring the peaceful, non-violent, all accepting and universal ideals of Hindu dharma.

AHAD believes that this crass representation of Hindu faith will do little to promote interfaith understanding.  It will promote ignorance about Hindu traditions and promote ridicule of Hindu children in the schools.  For example, a teacher has requested CNN on Facebook if the Hindu related episode will be available for teaching ancient Indian history to her sixth grade class!  We believe that more schools will use these half-baked, un-researched and inappropriate content to portray Hindu traditions as mainstream and this will have wider Hinduphobic societal impact than CNN can imagine.

We welcome Mr. Aslam to meet with practitioners of mainstream Hindu faiths.  Learn about Hindu faith from our saints, priests and ascetics, and experience the practice of Hindu traditions from its practitioners and not merely from the libraries of elite universities or known Hindu haters.

As a major global media outlet, CNN must hold itself to higher standards.  To ensure that the educational ideals of this series are met, AHAD demands that Hindu related episodes in the series be reviewed by practicing Hindu experts before they are aired.  AHAD will be glad to provide such experts.  After the Hindu related episodes are aired, Hindu scholars must be invited to discuss the content of the show on air, and provide a deeper Hindu perspective.

About American Hindus Against Defamation (AHAD)

American Hindus Against Defamation (AHAD) is the first and the most prominent Hindu organization in USA.  A project of World Hindu Council of America (VHPA), AHAD has been actively monitoring media and products to ensure accurate representation of Hindu dharma, culture, images and icons.

For further information, please contact:

Ajay Shah

Convener, American Hindus Against Defamation (AHAD)
http://www.hindunet.org/ahad
ajay@hindunet.org
Phone: (858) 866-9661

About World Hindu Council of America (VHPA)

World Hindu Council of America (VHPA) is the most prominent organization of Hindus in USA.  Founded in 1970, it has branches across the country.  For more information, please contact:

 

Utsav Chakrabarti
Relations Coordinator
World Hindu Council of America (VHPA)
P.O. Box 600
460 Boston Rd, Billerica, MA 01821

http://www.vhp-america.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vishwa.sampark

Twitter: @VHPANews

Press Release: Hindus Enraged at Kohler Company for Image of Lord Nataraja as Scantly Clad Woman Hawking Shower Fixture

by with No Comment AHADInfoPress Releases

America Hindus Against Defamation Press Release

Hindus Enraged at Kohler Company for Image of Lord Nataraja as Scantly Clad Woman Hawking Shower Fixture

Kohler, one of the most prominent plumbing supply companies is using Lord Nataraja (a form of Lord Shiva) in the form of a scantly clad woman and taking a shower to hawk its new shower products.

The image in the Kohler advertisement appeared in The New York Times on Sunday. Oct 13, 2002. This image is unmistakably that of Lord Shiva as Nataraja. The dancing pose, multiple hands, the hand gestures, the metaphor of water from shower too, resembles the flow of river Ganga (Ganges) usually depicted as flowing through Lord Shiva.

The tag line for the advertisement “There is a Goddess”, clearly indicates that the advertisement is no coincidence, it is an unequivocal indication that the image of Lord Shiva was distorted and adopted for the advertisement purpose.

AHAD is disgusted by the abuse of the image of Lord Shiva in such a derogatory manner. Just as the scantly clad image of Christ in shower selling shower fixtures would be offensive and evoke strong resentment in the Christian community, this advertisement image has enraged the Hindu community. Hindu deities are worshipped, they are not exotic images to be distorted, mutilated and abused.

The Kohler Company’s insensitivity towards Hindus has been compounded by the fact that several calls placed to the PR department of the company by AHAD have gone unanswered.

AHAD demands that the Kohler Company immediately withdraw all the advertisements with Hindu images, and tender a sincere apology to the Hindu community.

AHAD reminds the Kohler Company that Lord Shiva is revered by Hindus around the world – major Shiva temples are found in India, Nepal, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, UK, USA and many other countries – and these countries, Kohler has significant commercial interest.

AHAD requests the Hindu community to visit the AHAD web site and sign the protest book at http://www.hindunet.org/ahad/kohler/

AHAD has taken a lead role in countering the abuse of Hindu images by major corporation and media. AHAD led successful action of the Hindu community and procured apologies from Sony/Aerosmith, Universal Studios, Warner Brothers, Fortune Dynamics, Sittin Pretty Designs and others for abusing Hindu images and symbols.

American Hindus Against Defamation is a coalition of major Hindu organizations in North America. It is sponsored by World Hindu Council of America (VHP-A). For more information about AHAD, please contact Ajay Shah ahad@hindunet.org, Chetan Tanna chetan@pacbell.net or Pratap More sriraam@worldnet.att.net