A Hindu Perspective by Balliram Chadee. M.Hin.

www.thehanumanmission.com. bally@thehanumanmission.com or Bally 416-992-2487.

This is the 22nd in a series of articles by Balliram Chadee and Hotshots Newspaper to bring a Hindu Perspective to educate our community. Comments and suggestions are welcome.

 

Question: Commercial vs. Promotional: How do you see it as a Hindu?

Ans: It is a view of many scholars; both spiritual and academic that no one should be offended by a statement of fact, yet most of us get upset, angry, frustrated, annoyed and keep our hatred when we are exposed to a view or opinion from someone else with which we disagree, right? We sometimes even become instant enemies from good friends. But what do we do when we see obvious things which we disagree with and cannot change anything about it, or at least conclude that opinion? This article looks at some opinions and views regarding the trading and commerce of products and services in Hinduism. As Hindus who were raised in the Caribbean or Indian Diaspora, many of us hold a treasured and sacred spot in our lives and hearts for iconic and symbolic emblems, things which signifies Hinduism, items which instantly tell us, this is something Hindu or a quick reminder that this product makes us remember that it has traditionally been a logo of Hinduism . Times have changed and things have changed, many claimed but have our values changed? Did we remain Hindus? Have we as a people remained intact with our faith or have we allowed ourselves to be swallowed in the tunnel of commercialism? Are we involved in the promotional journey of Hinduism or have we been to busy in the commercial excitement of trade that we have forgotten the difference between commercial and promotional values of performing an activity? Many people have asked me these questions and over the years I have also asked myself the same question; have you? What was your answer? Do you believe your answer?

As Hindus, we must remember, things have changed in the commercial world and advertising as they say is the key to a successful campaign, monetary, or business awareness. But what does having a picture of Durga Maa or Lord Shiva drawn on the outside of a can of ghee has to do with the ghee inside or the puja to be performed? In my opinion NONE! This is one example of commercialism vs. promotionalism of our very treasured religion of Hinduism. Walk today in a Hindu store and you will see every picture or replica of every deity or divine presence through a painting or picture on the outside of the packet or package; does it make a difference? Does it help? Do we feel better when we use these items? Many have said they are offended when they have to recycle the empty ghee can in a blue bin along with their empty “bottles” and “cans” which did not contain “vegetarian” products. But they have no other choice because this is all available so what should we do. Are the promoters of these commercial concepts helping the cause or are they acting in their own interest for financial gains? Most of us have walked around many shopping malls and outlets lately and seen various “murtis” and “statues” being sold by people who are not even Hindu; have no knowledge of Hinduism, the sacredness of such products or the emotions going behind the possession of such items, right? But it is a business, an outlet to make money, a source of revenue and an opportunity to secure a living some say. True I agree in the world we live in, but is it the correct thing? Is this a way for Hindus to conduct themselves some ask? Should Hindu business people not be more conscious about monetary gains over religious obligations or emotional concerns of their customers, others keep on asking?

I have my own opinions about some of these behaviors and patterns of commercialism but this is purely my belief and opinion. Ask your Pundits or leaders for an opinion or view, it might help. The views expressed here are from various sources of readers frustrated and annoyed at the blatant money making practices of so many commercial giants in the world whose primary goal is profit and success. Nothing is wrong with that either but somewhere somehow, we as Hindus and followers of our religion need to remind these entrepreneurs that we are the end users of the products and services and that we are now concerned about their obvious commercialism of our sacred religion and some of their efforts should be on education or promotion of the wealth of knowledge in Hinduism rather than on the commercialism of the religion which many believes simply plays on the vulnerable. Maybe some English explanations of some of the concepts and facts of Hindu beliefs, practices and philosophy would be a good place to start. Put some of the myths and facts which have contradicted Hindu practices on these packages so we can help Hindus and non Hindus alike appreciate more of our facts and heritage. Educate while earning a living might be a good form of seva. Commercial or Promotional….you be the judge once more!