A Massachusetts museum has received backlash over selling toys of Hindu deities.
A Hindu organization has stated concerns about a museum in Salem, Massachusetts selling plush toys for children in the online gift shop, which portrayed three Hindu deities in an "insensitive" way.
Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, president of the Universal Society of Hinduism, said in a statement that plush toys representing Hindu deities Lord Krishna, Lord Ganesh, and Lord Hanuman were available in the online gift shop of the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) last month. These toys were priced from $20 to $38 each. The toys are also sold at Walmart, Amazon, and other online retailers. After Hindu protests, PEM removed the toys featuring the deities on October 18.
"Lord Krishna, Lord Ganesh, and Lord Hanuman were greatly revered in Hinduism and were meant to be worshipped in temples or home shrines and not to be thrown around loosely on the floor, bathrooms, cars, etc."
Zed said it is wrong to attach the deities "to your baby's diaper bag" or "press its belly to make it sing for you."
Zed has also said that he appreciates the museum for understanding the concerns of the Hindu community, which felt such a product was highly inappropriate. However, he is still waiting for a formal apology from the museum.
If kids salivate all over Hindu God plush toys and drag them on dirty floors, step over them, squeeze them, doesn't that hurt Hindu sentiments?
Thats why... #BoycottKids https://t.co/1H3wP5WeqA— meghnad (@Memeghnad) November 24, 2020
To understand the feelings of communities and visitors when introducing new products, hosting exhibitions, acquiring/displaying collections, indulging in creative expression, chalking out programming, etc., the senior executives of PEM should learn more about religious and cultural sensitivity, Zed suggested.
Spokesperson Whitney Van Dyke said in an email that PEM stopped selling the toys while it reviewed the complaint. "These items will be back on sale shortly," she added.
Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) said the toys were manufactured by a company based in New Jersey and founded by an Indian-American family. Avani Modi Sarkar, co-founder of the multicultural toy business Modi Toys, said in a statement that these were made with the intention to spark curiosity in Hindu culture and heritage.
"While we understand not all will agree with our approach, we take pride in knowing we are giving families an option to learn and practice Hinduism in a fun and functional manner," she said.
Avani Modi Sarkar of @Moditoys Makes ‘Inc.’ 2021 Female Founders 100 List
Sarkar and her brother founded Modi #Toys in 2018.
To pass #cultural and #religious traditions to first-gen Indian American children, they came up with the idea of creating approachable, fun plush toys. pic.twitter.com/DK0nvqrzUd— भारत की बेटी (@_bharatkibeti_) October 1, 2021
However, a non-profit organization named Hindu American Foundation, which uses guidelines for the commercial use of Hindu imagery on its website, has no issue with the toys. "While we recognize Mr. Zed's concerns, we have no categorical objection to the sale of these toys," said McDermott, the Senior Director for the Hindu American Foundation.
The PEM has said in a statement that it has been connected to India for more than 200 years. The museum shows appreciation for holding a renowned collection of contemporary and historical artworks that celebrate the country's beauty, diversity, and complexity.
The Universal Society of Hinduism in Nevada has commenced many campaigns led by Zed, targetting the mishandling of Hinduism, the world's third-largest religion with about 1.1 billion believers.
