Maharashtra government withdraws advertisement denigrating Hindu Saints

Hindu Janajagruti Samiti demands strict action against officials guilty of publishing the advertisement

Mumbai – Intense outrage is being expressed across Maharashtra over a controversial advertisement by the Social Justice Department, mocking Hindu Saints. 

The campaign, issued by the Social Justice Department, featured a derogatory caricature of a traditional Sadhu adorned with sacred symbols, including matted hair and rudraksha beads, juxtaposed with symbols of like skulls, lemons, and chillies. Alongside it a slogan was written in Marathi: “स्वतःच्या कर्तृत्वावर विश्‍वास ठेवा, भोंदूगिरीवर नाही” (Believe in your own achievements, not in fraudulence.) 

Various Hindu organisations have protested this depiction as demeaning presentation of the tradition of Hindu Sadhus and Saints. Sunil Ghanwat, the State Organiser of the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, has submitted a written complaint to the government demanding strict action against those guilty of putting up the derogatory advert.  

Satish Sonar of the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, Mumbai, met with the Minister for Social Justice, Sanjay Shirsat, demanding the immediate withdrawal of this advertisement and strict action against those responsible. The Minister clarified, “The advertisement was pulled last night. Our department was not responsible for its release; it was put out by the Information and Public Relations Department.”