Muthoot Fincorp withdraws Anti-Hindu circular for Hindu employees after protest by HJS

October 8, 2011    

Mumbai: Restrictions imposed by the management of a company named ‘Muthoot Fincorp’ on its employees for wearing traditional things were withdrawn today acceding to the demand made by Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS). The company has changed its order and has also rendered apology to HJS. (Hindus should pay gratitude at Srikrushna’s feet for this success ! – Editor SP) ‘Muthoot Finance Corporation’ had issued an order on 17th March 2011 for its employees that they should follow a dress code as directed by the company; else disciplinary action would be taken against them. It was mentioned in the said order that men should not apply ‘sandalwood gandh’ or any kind of sign on their forehead, they should not wear anything on their hands other than ring on the finger; female employee should not apply ‘bindi’ or any sign on the forehead, should not adorn hair with flowers etc. News about the same was published on the website of HJS. Dr. Subramanyam Swami, the President of Janata Party had also written a protest letter to the company in this regard. Activists of RSS, VHP and HJS had started agitation against ‘Muthoot Finance Corporation’ in Kerala.

On 15^th September, Mr. Shivaji Vatkar, the district-coordinator of HJS wrote a protest letter to the above company requesting to withdraw or modify the order issued by the company. HJS, while praising company’s efforts to maintain cleanliness, unity and discipline, also made them aware that imposing such restrictions was against the religious customs and traditions of Hindus and their culture besides being against the Constitution of this country. It also made a demand that the company should grant permission to women employees to apply ‘kumkum’, ‘bindi’, ‘mangalsutra’, flowers etc. as per the Indian traditions. It was stated that the company could face serious financial loss if the demands of HJS were not approved. The company’s Managaing Director George Lamanil contacted Mr. Shivaji Vatkar on 17th September and requested him to have a meeting. Accordingly, on 19th September, meeting was held between Mr. Ravindra Prabhudesai, the President of ‘Pitambari’ group of companies, Mr. Shivaji Vatkar and Mukund Ghanekar with Mr. George at Thane. Mr. George agreed to the demands of HJS and assured Mr. Vatkar to issue a revised circular requesting him to stop the agitations. The company has since informed HJS about revising their order regarding official dress code and apologized for hurting religious sentiments.