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 鈥渉ighly inappropriate.鈥� Zed said Lord Ganesh is revered in Hinduism and is meant to be worshipped at temples and shrines.

鈥淚nappropriate usage of Hindu deities or concepts for commercial or other agenda [is] not OK as it hurt the devotees,鈥� Zed said in the news release.

Zed also asked Om Boys and its CEO issue an apology.

Jesse Jeans, Om Boys spokesman, said it isn鈥檛 the company鈥檚 intention to offend anyone.

鈥淭hat鈥檚 not what the brand鈥檚 about at all,鈥� said Jeans. 鈥淚t鈥檚 in my write-up on the 鈥榓bout鈥� section [of www.omboys.ca]. They鈥檒l see that it鈥檚 totally not to offend anybody.鈥�

According to Om Boys鈥� website, its mission is to raise awareness about Crohn鈥檚, 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.

鈥淭he 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,鈥� Jeans said in a subsequent e-mail. 鈥淥ur customer base so far has come from all walks of life. Our next design might even have 鈥榓ll鈥� the different religions riding motorbikes together, having fun, getting along and call it, 鈥極ne Love.鈥欌��

Zed was contacted and indicated he would be providing further comment.

The Nanaimo Hindu Cultural Society was contacted, but didn鈥檛 immediately respond to a request for comment.

reporter@nanaimobulletin.com
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