Hindu leaders call on Mr. Fried Chicken to apologise for ‘insensitive packaging’

In a statement, the four leaders who are members of the A Partnership of National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC), said the management of Mr Fried Chicken at Rose Hall town, Berbice, recently came under scrutiny following an incident that has been deemed as disrespectful to the Hindu community.

“Chicken, which was sold in packaging featuring the Hindu Aum and Trishul symbols, has raised concerns over the improper use of sacred religious imagery.”

This, the signatories to the statement said, is an unfortunate incident which has prompted community members to call upon the intervention of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), seeking a resolution befitting the cultural diversity that forms the foundation of Guyana’s society.

The Hindu Aum and Trishul symbols:- According to Encyclopaedia Britannica in the Hindu religion, the om/aum symbol is a sacred syllable that is considered to be the greatest of all the mantras, or sacred formulas. The Trishul symbol represents the three aspects of consciousness – waking, dreaming and sleeping, and it represents the three gunas- satva, rajas and tamas. Holding a trishul (Trident) signifies that Shiva (the divinity) is above all the three states- waking, dreaming and sleeping, yet is the upholder of these three states (artofliving.org).

The four pointed out the ERC pays an essential role in safeguarding harmony among all ethnic and religious groups in the nation, and its intervention in this matter is widely anticipated.

“The mishandling of religious symbols carries implications that cannot be ignored, as it undermines the principle of respect and inclusivity that is expected within a multicultural society.” Noting the Hindu community, one of the largest religious groups in Guyana, has expressed disappointment and distress over the insensitivity displayed through the use of these symbols for the purpose of packaging.

The four said given the expressed displeasure, “Mr Fried Chicken, should be responsible and respectful as a member of the business community, and is hereby urged to extend a sincere and unambiguous apology to the Hindu community for this incident. ”

They shared that acknowledgment of the unintended offense caused will go a long way in rectifying this situation and reaffirming the values of unity and respect that Guyanese citizens hold dear.

 “Hinduism, like all other faiths practiced in Guyana, deserves to be treated with reverence and dignity.

“The misappropriation of sacred symbols can be distressing to faithful individuals and disrupt social cohesion. Encouraging cultural sensitivity and fostering an environment of understanding and empathy should be a priority for all members of the community. ”

Chandan-Edmond, Narine, Seeram and Jaipersaud would like to see intervention of the ERC to provide the appropriate action in order to promote healing and future avoidance.

“The Ethnic Relations Commission is humbly requested to investigate this matter and provide necessary guidance for the appropriate course of action that promotes healing, unity, and the prevention of future incidents of this nature. ”

The intervention, in this instance, they believe would serve as a reminder to all businesses to uphold ethical practices that reflect the diversity and richness of Guyanese society.

“It is our hope that Mr Fried Chicken, in collaboration with the Ethnic Relations Commission, will resolve this issue promptly, allowing for an inclusive and respectful environment that celebrates all citizens while cultivating stronger interfaith relations.”