San Antonio (Texas) based art-clothing company DiZurita withdrew Ganesha leggings within three hours after upset Hindus protested, calling it “highly inappropriate”.
DiZurita’s founder-artist Giovanna DiZurita who was out of the country at the time, in an email to Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, who spearheaded this protest, wrote: “It was never my intent to offend anyone rather share my art with a message full of love and positivity. I understand and respect your point of view, please accept my sincere apology. The merchandise has been removed as requested”.
The objectionable Ganesha Leggings, Ganesha Capri Leggings and Ganesha Leggings (child); priced at $55, $52 and $41 respectively; do not show up anymore on the company website.
Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, and who urged for immediate withdrawal of these objectionable products, in a statement in Nevada today, thanked DiZurita and its founder-artist Giovanna for understanding the concerns of Hindu community which thought image of Lord Ganesha on such a product was highly insensitive.
Rajan Zed suggested that companies should send their senior executives for training in religious and cultural sensitivity so that they had an understanding of the feelings of customers and communities when introducing new products or launching advertising campaigns.
