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June 11, 2008

Jyeshtha Shuddha Ashtami

Participate in online signature drive against 'The Love Guru', Click Here

Click here to see detail news about Protest against 'The Love guru'

Click Here to see Latest News

Bharatiya Hindus should learn from American Hindus how to protect our Hindu Dharma. Now will Indian Hindu organizations take some firm action against 'Love Guru' in India? - Editor

Click Here to see 'Prominent persons and organisations supporting the protests'

Updates

 

 

 

• Blessings of Saint Karunamayi for the love Guru protest, USA (11 Jun 08)
  
• 'Paramount's breaking promise to protesting Hindus is un-Christian' (10 Jun 08)
  
• Beliefnet agrees to post protesting Hindus' viewpoint alongside "Love Guru" promotion (6 Jun 08)
• Hindus launch online campaign against "The Love Guru" (6 Jun 08)
• Hollywood Today's report on HJS' and Hindus' Love Guru protest (3 Jun 08)
  
• Objectionable Scene From 'The Love Guru' (2 Jun 08)
• HJS asks Paramount to issue a study guide about Hinduism (30 May 08)
• HJS opposes film 'Love-Guru' as it makes mockery of Guru-disciple relationship (29 May 08)
• Hindus ask Beliefnet to stop promoting Hollywood movie "The Love Guru" (28 May 08)
  
• HJS' Warning Letter to Central Board of Film Certification (22 May 08)
• Hindus urge UK film org. to halt "The Love Guru" (21 May 08)
• Hindus taking protest against movie "The Love Guru" a step further (17 May 08)
• Counter-arguments by HJS for Chopra's pro-'Love Guru' stance (8 May 08)
• Hindus urge NZ film organizations to halt "The Love Guru" (5 May 08)
• Jewish leader calls for boycott of "The Love Guru" movie (5 May 08)
• Hindus approach Film distributors to halt Love Guru (30 Apr 08)

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Blessings of Saint Karunamayi for the love Guru protest, USA

Jyeshtha Shuddha Ashtami
 
By the grace of Sree Gurudev seekers were blessed with the satsang of P. Karunamayi at the Durga Mandir in South Brunswick, NJ on Vaishak Krushna dvadashi, 1 June 08.

When we reached the venue Her discourse was going on and the hall was filled with devotees. After the discourse Saint Karunmayi was to give Saraswati diksha to children between 4 and 24 years of age. There was a huge turn out of devotees and due to crowd we did not even have place to go in and were advised to come back later. On telling the volunteers about the purpose of our visit, to request for Karunamayi’s blessings for the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti’s protest campaign against the movie ’The Love Guru’, they were happy to learn about but since the turn out of devotees was more than expected it would be better that we come back later after the program. Since the S. Brunswick satsang was to follow it would have been difficult for us to return on time after a couple of hours. On sharing this with yet another volunteer , he said that we can stand outside the room that Karunamayi would be going to take a short rest break of 5 minutes and if ‘God willing’ She will hear what you have to say. Accordingly we waited outside the room and when She stepped out we told Her about the Love Guru protest and She gave Her blessings for it. Since all this happened in 2 minutes we were not sure if She had clearly understood what we were saying, just then another American devotee of Hers who had overheard us, told us that Amma is not aware about this movie but she herself knew about the movie and would tell Amma about it later.

In the very busy schedule and unexpected overflow of people, it is only with Gurudev’s grace that She blessed us. Incense sticks and booklets were presented to Amma. 

Ma Karunamayi is filled with love for God and for all devotees.

After the programme was over flyers of the Love Guru protest were distributed amongst the volunteers who were serving there during the programme and at the Durga Mandir. Most people receiving the flyers were happy to receive them, and many thanked us for taking the initiative and said that they would protest and forward the protest to their friends. 

When distributing the flyer we met another American devotee of Karunamayi’s who is also practicing healing as per (red) Indian path. He has a newsletter that is distributed in US and India also and on learning about our spiritual organization he was curious about it and wanted to learn more. He said he would like to go through our site and see if we have any articles that he can take in his newsletter.

Gurudev, krutadnyata for giving us this opportunity for doing satseva and darshan of Karunamayi. It was only due to Your grace that we were able to take Her blessings amidst the busy schedule. We offer this seva at Your Holy feet. 

 

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'Paramount's breaking promise to protesting Hindus is un-Christian'

June 10, 2008

Jyeshtha Shuddha Saptami

Press Release

In view of Paramount Pictures reportedly breaking its promise to protesting Hindus regarding pre-screening of upcoming Hollywood movie 'The Love Guru', clergy belonging to different religions and denominations has strongly come out in support of "Hindu brothers" and criticized Paramount.
 
Here is the text of the signed appeal, titled "Clergy's appeal to Paramount Pictures":
 
"We have learnt that Paramount Pictures promised to screen the upcoming film 'The Love Guru' for Rajan Zed and other Hindu leaders once they had a finished print. We have also learnt that Paramount Pictures has now reportedly gone back on their promise and has not made any efforts to pre-screen the film for them before the public release, which is scheduled on June 20, 2008."
 
"We were dismayed by learning this as Paramount Pictures and its parent company Viacom are leading global entertainment content companies and have a high reputation and credibility and are held in high esteem all over the world."
 
"Going back on promise is un-Christian, un-Hindu, un-Buddhist, un-Jewish, etc., besides being unethical."
 
"We urge Paramount Pictures to immediately make arrangements to organize advance screening of 'The Love Guru' movie for Rajan Zed and other Hindu leaders and be positively responsive to the concerns of Hindu brothers regarding the content of the movie, who we hear are perturbed all over the world."
 
The signatories include: Right Reverend Gene Savoy Jr., Bishop of International Community of Christ and President of Nevada Clergy Association; Father Charles T. Durante, Roman Catholic Priest; Reverend Alan Dorway, Presbyterian leader; Rabbi Jonathan B. Freirich and Rabbi Elizabeth Beyer, both Jewish leaders; Swami Pooja Saraswati, Hindu/spiritual leader; Reverend Bill Bartlett, Buddhist leader.
 
It may be recalled here that advance screenings of Mel Gibson's 2004 movie 'The Passion of the Christ' were held for clergy and others.
 
Paramount Pictures, through its Senior Vice President National Publicity, Jessica Rovins, has stated in March, "It is our full intention to screen the film for Rajan Zed and other Hindu leaders in the U.S. once we have a finished print."

Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion followers. Moksha (liberation) is the ultimate goal of Hinduism.
 
Viacom is a leading global entertainment content company and its family of brands includes MTV, Paramount, DreamWorks, etc. Paramount Pictures Corporation, presenter of 'The Love Guru', is a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment. 'The Love Guru' is a comedy starring Mike Myers (of Austin Powers fame).

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Beliefnet agrees to post protesting Hindus' viewpoint alongside "Love Guru" promotion

June 8, 2008  

Jyeshtha Shuddha Panchami

On the protest of Hindu groups, Beliefnet, the largest spiritual website, has agreed to post an article explaining their viewpoint about the upcoming Hollywood movie "The Love Guru" alongside promotional material of movie, which Hindus say lampoons their religion.

Advancing the movement launched by acclaimed Hindu leader Rajan Zed, Hindu groups had earlier asked Beliefnet to stop promoting "The Love Guru", which they say "hurts the Hindu and spiritual community".

Michael Kress, Managing Editor of Beliefnet, in a communiqué to HJS member, said, "We hope that by featuring this opinion alongside others, our readers can be better informed about the issues you are raising and decide for themselves what to believe and how to act in this case."

HJS member in a communiqué to Beliefnet had earlier said, "…we are appalled that a well-respected spiritual website like Beliefnet is openly promoting this movie that hurts the Hindu and spiritual community, contradicting Beliefnet's published mission statement…"

"Protesting the denigrating content of 'The Love Guru' and Beliefnet's promoting it", HJS member further said, "…we urge Beliefnet to stop promoting 'The Love Guru' movie, till Paramount has made necessary changes to the movie, so that it will not hurt the feelings of the worldwide spiritual and Hindu community. This will also ensure continued respect from the Hindu and spiritual for Beliefnet as a truly spiritual website, in accordance with its mission statement."

Beliefnet lists its mission as " to help people like you find, and walk, a spiritual path that will bring comfort, hope, clarity, strength, and happiness". "Our only agenda is to help you meet your spiritual goals", its website says.

Talking about the Beliefnet and Paramount partnership on 'The Love Guru' movie, the Beliefnet website said, "The features on this page were created as part of a collaboration between Beliefnet and Paramount Pictures. Beliefnet editors and Paramount officials jointly determined the design and content of this page," and also states, "Beliefnet and Paramount explore the movie 'The Love Guru'". It also includes trailer of the movie. "Ask the Love Guru a Question" was at number four on the Most Emailed Articles list of Beliefnet website.

Launched in 1999, Beliefnet is part of the Fox Entertainment Group, which is a division of News Corporation. Steven Waldman is the President and Editor-in-Chief. Stated to be the largest online community for spirituality and inspiration, Beliefnet claims about three million unique visitors each month and a daily email newsletter readership of nearly 11 million subscribers. It has partnership with Time magazine, ABC News, etc.

Meanwhile, Hindu groups supporting Zed's concerns about the movie have also been approaching film distributors associations, exhibitors groups, regulatory bodies, government ministries, theater owners, etc., in various parts of the world urging them not to distribute/screen "The Love Guru" till its presenter Paramount Pictures makes necessary changes to it.

In these communiqués, these groups said, "…stop distributing or screening the movie till Paramount has made necessary changes to the movie, so that it will not hurt the feelings of the worldwide spiritual and Hindu community."

"…If the trailer is an indicator of the content of the movie…then we feel that this movie is most likely to hurt the sentiments of seekers from various spiritual paths…it will hurt the religious sentiments of millions of Hindus worldwide, who hold the 'Guru-disciple' relationship as sacred…we are supporting Rajan Zed's protest against the denigration…Poking fun is one thing, but if it creates a sense of belittling other's faith, then it is wrong," communiqués stressed.

Meanwhile, furthering the drive pioneered by Indo-American leader Rajan Zed, various organizations and leaders have been coming out expressing concern about the possibility of "The Love Guru" hurting the sentiments of Hindus worldwide and urging filmmakers to be more responsible when handling faith related subjects. Zed has been saying that from the information available about the movie, it appears to be lampooning Hinduism and Hindus and using Hindu terms frivolously. Various Hindu, Catholic, Presbyterian, Jewish, Native American, Methodist, Buddhist, youth, film, spiritual/religious, music, yoga, civil rights, etc., leaders have already issued statements in support of this cause espoused by Rajan Zed.

G. Kendrick Macdowell, Vice President of the National Association of Theatre Owners, largest exhibition trade organization in the world, replying to above-mentioned request of halting distribution/screening of the movie wrote, "I am sympathetic to your concern as I have been to the ashrams in India and know a little bit about the guru-disciple relationship. I have not seen the trailer or the movie, but I can guess that it satirizes 'gurus on the make'. I doubt I would find it funny. Nevertheless, we are not in a position to take action you recommend …we are a trade association, and we cannot interfere with the decisions of our members regarding what movies or trailers to play…"

Ilona Cheshire, Press Officer of prestigious British Film Institute (BFI), wrote in her reply, "Please rest assured that the BFI will not be screening this title nor will be involved with a possible release of it." J.L. Green, Chief Assistant (Policy) to the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), replying the communiqué, said, "The BBFC is sympathetic to your concerns…"

Primitivo Rodriguez-Gordillo, President of Spain based Sociedad de Empresarios de Cine de España (SECIES), informed that the letter sent by Hindu groups was distributed among their members and "we hope their act conveniently".

A prominent Jewish Rabbi, Elizabeth W. Beyer of Nevada (USA), has called for boycott of  "The Love Guru" because it "…lampoons Hinduism, mocks Ashram life and Hindu philosophy…" and asking "who laughs at religious practices".

Paramount Pictures, through its Senior Vice President National Publicity, Jessica Rovins, has earlier stated, "It is our full intention to screen the film for Rajan Zed and other Hindu leaders in the U.S. once we have a finished print."                                            

It may be recalled here that advance screenings of Mel Gibson's 2004 movie "The Passion of the Christ" were held for clergy and others.

"The Love Guru"; a comedy starring Mike Myers (of Austin Powers fame, who is also the co-writer and co-producer), Jessica Alba, Justin Timberlake, Ben Kingsley; and directed by Marco Schnabel; is set to release on June 20 next. In it Myers, an American, raised in an ashram in India, moves back to US as Guru Pitka to seek fame and fortune in the world of self-help and spirituality.

Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion followers. Moksha (liberation) is the ultimate goal of Hinduism.

Paramount Pictures Corporation is a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment.

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Hindus launch online campaign against "The Love Guru"

Jyeshtha Shuddha Trutiya

By Rajan Zed

Intensifying the protest campaign against the upcoming Hollywood movie "The Love Guru", Hindus have floated an online signature drive.
 
Advancing the movement launched by acclaimed Hindu leader Rajan Zed, this signature drive sends protest e-mails to Motion Picture Association of America, Paramount Pictures (presenters of "The Love Guru"), National Association of Theatre Owners, Indian Censor Board and other authorities across the world. When someone registers for this drive, it automatically sends protest mail to these organizations.
 
"…In this film, the sacred relationship between Guru and disciple has been ridiculed…The parody on Gurus will contribute to the misunderstanding about the sacred concept of the 'Guru'…", the protest message says.
 
First day of this campaign registered about 2,500 protesters, according to HJS member.
 
Meanwhile, furthering the drive pioneered by Indo-American leader Rajan Zed, various organizations and leaders have been coming out expressing concern about the possibility of "The Love Guru" hurting the sentiments of Hindus worldwide and urging filmmakers to be more responsible when handling faith related subjects. Zed has been saying that from the information available about the movie, it appears to be lampooning Hinduism and Hindus and using Hindu terms frivolously. Various Hindu, Catholic, Presbyterian, Jewish, Native American, Methodist, Buddhist, youth, film, spiritual/religious, music, yoga, civil rights, etc., leaders have already issued statements in support of this cause espoused by Rajan Zed.
 
On the other hand, Hindu groups have recently been approaching film distributors associations, exhibitors groups, regulatory bodies, government ministries, theater owners, etc., in various parts of the world urging them not to distribute/screen "The Love Guru" till Paramount Pictures makes necessary changes to it.
 
Paramount Pictures, through its Senior Vice President National Publicity, Jessica Rovins, has earlier stated, "It is our full intention to screen the film for Rajan Zed and other Hindu leaders in the U.S. once we have a finished print."
                                               
It may be recalled here that advance screenings of Mel Gibson's 2004 movie "The Passion of the Christ" were held for clergy and others.

"The Love Guru"; a comedy starring Mike Myers (of Austin Powers fame, who is also the co-writer and co-producer), Jessica Alba, Justin Timberlake, Ben Kingsley; and directed by Marco Schnabel; is set to release on June 20 next. In it Myers, an American, raised in an ashram in India, moves back to US as Guru Pitka to seek fame and fortune in the world of self-help and spirituality.
 
Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion followers. Moksha (liberation) is the ultimate goal of Hinduism.
 
Paramount Pictures Corporation, a Viacom brand, is a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment.

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Hollywood Today's report on HJS' and Hindus' Love Guru protest

By Brian Frederick

Hollywood, CA - "The Love Guru", the latest Mike Myers film co-starring Jessica Alba from Paramount Picture, "yeah baby". The Austin Powers and SNL stars as as Pitka, the self described "second best Guru in India", is viewed by one group as an insult to the Hindu community. Rajan Zed, real life spiritual leader for the Hindu community in Nevada called for an all out boycott of 'The Love Guru'.

Hindus have been parodied in film with love and satire since Peter Seller's days, and the tradition has continued to India's own Bollywood films. It is not clear if this group targeted this film for publicity purposes or legit religious concerns. All religions have been free targets for creative film community appreciation or satire and their actions will likely increase the film's box office, not help their stated cause for Hinduism awareness. Simply stated, gurus get made fun of same as, say TV preachers. It does not hinder their important messages to believers.

Advancing the movement launched by Zed, HJS member in communication with Paramount Pictures, today mentioned the protests would be launched and supported by the backing of Hindu Janjagruti Samiti and Sanatan Society for Scientific Spirituality. Leaders from different religious organizations have joined Zed in the protest. "We also feel that the parody on Gurus will contribute to the misunderstanding about the sacred concept of the Guru."

HJS urged Paramount Pictures and Viacom to immediately issue a study guide about Hinduism and the sacred tradition of the Guru confirming to Hindu scriptures, post it on the official websites of Paramount, Viacom and 'The Love Guru' and make it available free of costs in printed form at the movie theatres worldwide.

The request by HJS to distribute pamphlets in movies sparked further criticism from religious organizations for using Paramount Pictures to further the religious beliefs of Hinduism in movie theatres. Zed's response told the Associated Press, "The movie appears to be lampooning Hindus and Hinduism. People might not be well versed in Hinduism and this may be their only exposure.”

HJS writes, "The Love Guru offends the sentiments of the Hindu and the spiritual community concepts, such as that of the Guru, or spiritually evolved Master, Karma, etc., as sacred.”

'The Love Guru' is sure to gain from the media attention the Hindu community is bringing to the movie. Unwittingly, the call for a boycott may provide free advertising exposure and increase audience anticipation for the movie. An act that could backfire on Rajan Zed and benefit Paramount Pictures.

Mike Myers got the idea of Pitka while working on the 'Austin Powers' series. During production of the series, Myers lost his father and in that grief, he began his personal quest to seek out a guru or ashram. "I loved the idea of bringing irony and humor to the human search for happiness and love."

The Love Guru – Pitka is commissioned to travel to the US to help a pro hockey player reconcile with his estranged wife in time to help his team win the Stanley Cup.

The movie also stars hottie Jessica Alba and "Dick in a Box" singer Justin Timberlake.

The film shoot took place in Canada. If you want to join the protests or see the movie, opening day is June 20.

Source: hollywoodtoday.net

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Objectionable Scene From 'The Love Guru'

June 2, 2008
Vaishakh Krushna Trutiya/Chaturthi

 

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HJS asks Paramount to issue a study guide about Hinduism

May 30, 2008

Subject: Issuing a study guide about Hinduism and the sacred 'Guru', conforming to Hindu Scriptures

Namaste, dear Jessica.

You are aware of the protests spearheaded by Rajan Zed and supported by the Hindu and spiritual community worldwide, over 'The Love Guru' trailer's denigrating depiction of sacred concepts such as the 'Guru', 'Karma', etc. If the trailer is an indicator of the content of the movie, namely the parody on Gurus, then we feel that this movie is most likely to hurt the sentiments of seekers from various spiritual paths. Apart from that, it will hurt the religious sentiments of millions of Hindus worldwide, who hold the 'Guru-disciple' relationship as sacred. We also feel that the parody on Gurus will contribute to the misunderstanding about the sacred concept of the 'Guru'. (The Guru is the manifest form of the teaching principle of God. In the Sanskrit term 'Guru', 'Gu' refers to darkness of ignorance about God and 'ru' refers to radiance of spiritual knowledge of the experience of God. Thus, the Guru is One Who with His radiance of spiritual knowledge, dispels the darkness of ignorance in His disciple.)

By and large, seekers on any spiritual path of Hindu origin respect freedom of expression. It is something that is integral to them. Hinduism as such is well known for its tolerance. I hope you will note that despite this, we are registering this protest and supporting Rajan Zed's protest against the denigration indicated in the movie 'The Love Guru'! This itself shows the extent to which even the trailer of this movie is denigrating the sacred concept of the Guru. Poking fun is one thing, but if it creates a sense of belittling others' faith, then it is wrong.

Paramount Pictures has stated that they intend to screen the film for Hindu leaders in the U.S. once they have a finished print. In the meantime, we urge Paramount Pictures and Viacom to do the following, to undo the damage done by this movie:

1. Immediately issue a study guide about Hinduism and the sacred tradition/role of the 'Guru' or evolved spiritual master in Hinduism, confirming to Hindu Scriptures such as the Gurucharitra.
2. Post this study guide on the official website of 'The Love Guru' and Paramount Pictures and Viacom.
3. It should also be made available free of cost in printed form, at the movie theatres worldwide, showing this movie.
4. This guide should also offer the viewers a framework in which to see the film, so that the viewers do not carry any misconceptions about Hinduism and that the characters portrayed in this movie are in no way depicting authentic Gurus from the Hindu and spiritual tradition.

Sincerely,
HJS
www.Sanatan.org
www.HinduJagruti.org

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HJS opposes film 'Love-Guru' as it makes mockery of Guru-disciple relationship

May 29, 2008

Vaishakh Krushna Navami
HJS opposes film 'Love-Guru' as it makes mockery of Guru-disciple relationship

Mumbai (Maharashtra): A film titled 'Love-Guru' will be releasing shortly all over the world. In this film, the sacred relationship between Guru and disciple has been ridiculed. Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) has therefore, demanded that the Indian Film Censor Board should not grant permission to this film for its release in India. HJS has also decided to register its strong protest against the film.
 
In a letter submitted to the Censor Board, HJS has mentioned that the 'Guru-Disciple' tradition is the greatest endowment that Hindu culture has presented to the world. This tradition has been ridiculed in this film. Guru-Disciple is an extra-ordinary relationship that depicts the highest principles and ethics. On the auspicious day of 'Guru-pournima', faith that a student has in his Guru, is strengthened and reinforced; but this film makes a mockery of this faith. There is so much of denigration even in the short film shown on its website advertising the film that one can not imagine how severe it must be in the main film. 'Guru-disciple' relationship is considered ideal and revered in all religions but this film derides this relation. Volunteers of HJS from the USA have registered their protest with their Censor Board against the producer, director and distributors of the film. Shri. Rajan Zed, an Indian who recites 'Vedas' in American Parliament has also opposed this film. As per our Indian Penal Code, it is an offence to make mockery of objects of worship revered by followers of any religion. It can also create law and order problems. It has been mentioned in the letter that HJS will vigorously oppose the film everywhere in India in case permission is granted for its release. 

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Hindus ask Beliefnet to stop promoting Hollywood movie "The Love Guru"

May 28, 2008

Vaishakh Krushna Ashtami

By Rajan Zed

Hindus have asked Beliefnet, the largest spiritual website, to stop promoting the upcoming Hollywood movie 'The Love Guru', which they say "hurts the Hindu and spiritual community".
 
Advancing the movement launched by acclaimed Hindu leader Rajan Zed; HJS member, in a communiqué to Beliefnet, said, "…we are appalled that a well-respected spiritual website like Beliefnet is openly promoting this movie that hurts the Hindu and spiritual community, contradicting Beliefnet's published mission statement…"
 
"Protesting the denigrating content of 'The Love Guru' and Beliefnet's promoting it", Shinde further said, "…we urge Beliefnet to stop promoting 'The Love Guru' movie, till Paramount has made necessary changes to the movie, so that it will not hurt the feelings of the worldwide spiritual and Hindu community. This will also ensure continued respect from the Hindu and spiritual community for Beliefnet as a truly spiritual website, in accordance with its mission statement."
 
Beliefnet lists its mission as " to help people like you find, and walk, a spiritual path that will bring comfort, hope, clarity, strength, and happiness". "Our only agenda is to help you meet your spiritual goals", its website says.
 
Talking about the Beliefnet and Paramount partnership on 'The Love Guru' movie, the Beliefnet website says, "The features on this page were created as part of a collaboration between Beliefnet and Paramount Pictures. Beliefnet editors and Paramount officials jointly determined the design and content of this page," and also states, "Beliefnet and Paramount explore the movie 'The Love Guru'". It also includes trailer of the movie. "Ask the Love Guru a Question" is at number four on the Most Emailed Articles list of Beliefnet website.
 
Launched in 1999, Beliefnet is part of the Fox Entertainment Group, which is a division of News Corporation. Steven Waldman is the President and Editor-in-Chief. Stated to be the largest online community for spirituality and inspiration, Beliefnet claims about three million unique visitors each month and a daily email newsletter readership of nearly 11 million subscribers. It has partnership with Time magazine, ABC News, etc.
 
Meanwhile, Hindu groups supporting Zed's concerns about the movie have also recently been approaching film distributors associations, exhibitors groups, regulatory bodies, government ministries, theater owners, etc., in various parts of the world urging them not to distribute/screen "The Love Guru" till its presenter Paramount Pictures makes necessary changes to it.
 
In these communiqués, these groups said, "…stop distributing or screening the movie till Paramount has made necessary changes to the movie, so that it will not hurt the feelings of the worldwide spiritual and Hindu community."
 
"…If the trailer is an indicator of the content of the movie…then we feel that this movie is most likely to hurt the sentiments of seekers from various spiritual paths…it will hurt the religious sentiments of millions of Hindus worldwide, who hold the 'Guru-disciple' relationship as sacred…we are supporting Rajan Zed's protest against the denigration…Poking fun is one thing, but if it creates a sense of belittling other's faith, then it is wrong," communiqués stressed.
 
Meanwhile, furthering the drive pioneered by Indo-American leader Rajan Zed, various organizations and leaders have been coming out expressing concern about the possibility of "The Love Guru" hurting the sentiments of Hindus worldwide and urging filmmakers to be more responsible when handling faith related subjects. Zed has been saying that from the information available about the movie, it appears to be lampooning Hinduism and Hindus and using Hindu terms frivolously. Various Hindu, Catholic, Presbyterian, Jewish, Native American, Methodist, Buddhist, youth, film, spiritual/religious, music, yoga, civil rights, etc., leaders have already issued statements in support of this cause espoused by Rajan Zed.
 
G. Kendrick Macdowell, Vice President of the National Association of Theatre Owners, largest exhibition trade organization in the world, replying to above-mentioned request of halting distribution/screening of the movie wrote, "I am sympathetic to your concern as I have been to the ashrams in India and know a little bit about the guru-disciple relationship. I have not seen the trailer or the movie, but I can guess that it satirizes 'gurus on the make'. I doubt I would find it funny. Nevertheless, we are not in a position to take action you recommend …we are a trade association, and we cannot interfere with the decisions of our members regarding what movies or trailers to play…"
 
Ilona Cheshire, Press Officer of prestigious British Film Institute (BFI), wrote in her reply, "Please rest assured that the BFI will not be screening this title nor will be involved with a possible release of it." J.L. Green, Chief Assistant (Policy) to the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), replying the communiqué, said, "The BBFC is sympathetic to your concerns. However, THE LOVE GURU has not been submitted to the BBFC for classification…".
 
A prominent Jewish Rabbi, Elizabeth W. Beyer of Nevada (USA), has called for boycott of  "The Love Guru" because it "…lampoons Hinduism, mocks Ashram life and Hindu philosophy…" and asking "who laughs at religious practices".
 
Paramount Pictures, through its Senior Vice President National Publicity, Jessica Rovins, has earlier stated, "It is our full intention to screen the film for Rajan Zed and other Hindu leaders in the U.S. once we have a finished print."
                                              
It may be recalled here that advance screenings of Mel Gibson's 2004 movie "The Passion of the Christ" were held for clergy and others.

"The Love Guru"; a comedy starring Mike Myers (of Austin Powers fame, who is also the co-writer and co-producer), Jessica Alba, Justin Timberlake, Ben Kingsley; and directed by Marco Schnabel; is set to release on June 20 next. In it Myers, an American, raised in an ashram in India, moves back to US as Guru Pitka to seek fame and fortune in the world of self-help and spirituality.
 
Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion followers. Moksha (liberation) is the ultimate goal of Hinduism.
 
Paramount Pictures Corporation is a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment.

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HJS' Warning Letter to Central Board of Film Certification

May 22, 2008

Vaishakh Krushna Dwitiya
21st May 2008

To,
Cenrtal Board of Film Certification
Bharat Bhuvan, 91 - E,
Walkeshwar Road,
Mumbai - 4000006
Ph.No. - 23625770
Fax. No. - 23625770
Email - aocbfcmum@rediffmail.com


Dear Sir,

Hindu Janajagruti Samiti is registered NGO doing social, religious and National welfare work. Samiti has been formed by devoted Hindus doing voluntary charitable work. Samiti is active throught India and educating people about Dharma in scientific way, campaigning against malpractices done under religious practices  and solving problems connected with National, Religious and social field.

We are surprised and shocked , as  the movie  Love Guru ,which is likely to release in India is deadly against the Hindu culture, moral and ethics which are required to be preserved,  and particularly the relation between the Guru and Disciple. The sanctity of the Guru- disciple tradition is reflected in Lord Jesus and His Disciples, Lord Krishna and Arjun, Lord Buddha and his disciples, etc.

The trailer released by  Paramount Pictures shows utter disrespect for the deep spiritual significance and relations  of the Guru. It shows the Guru in a very cheap and funny (shameless) character which encourages audience miserable laugh at the Guru. The trailer reveled Mike Myres playing a Guru through a whole range of denigrating scenes, some of which are quite lurid such as the Guru wearing a chastity belt, having an erection, bar brawls, accepting money to playing cupid etc. In the trailer it is also mentioned that this is the second best Guru in India. Please. note that India has revered saints such as Swami Vivekanand, Ramkrushna Paramhansa, Yogi Arvind, etc. This picture will denigrate these Saints and Gurus.This movie will create wrong  culture on the viewers and will hurt religious sentiments which is not only the offence under the provision of IPC but create the law and  order problem. Besides violence cannot be ruled out for such sinful act, notwithstanding any cast ,creed or religion.

The grace of the Guru is most important factor in realising the  spiritual and moral life. But this “Love Guru cinema” will damage faith and culture of the people.
                                   
We here by request your honour , for  not  to give permission to release such controversial movie, at least in India  as we strongly believe that  it will hurt relation and religious sentiments of millions of Indians and who follows Guru-tatva (Guru-disciple principle).We therefore request you to take the note of  this and record our protest in the matter.

Please acknowledge receipt. Trust you will inform us the action being taken in the matter and oblige.

For Hindu Janajagruti Samiti.
Shivaji Vatkar

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Hindus urge UK film org. to halt "The Love Guru"

May 21, 2008

Vaishakh Krushna Pratipada

By Rajan Zed

Hindu groups have contacted cinema/film related organizations in United Kingdom (UK) urging them not to distribute/screen upcoming Hollywood movie "The Love Guru" till its presenter Paramount Pictures makes necessary changes to it.

Advancing the movement launched by acclaimed Hindu leader Rajan Zed; HJS member, in communiqués to UK Department of Culture, Film Council, British Board of Film Classification, British Council, British Film Institute, British Screen Advisory Council, Cinema Exhibitors Association, Film Distributors' Association, Churches' Media Council, Video Standards Council, Cineworld Cinemas, Office of Film Communication, Showcase Cinemas, United International Pictures, etc., said,

"…stop distributing or screening the movie till Paramount has made necessary changes to the movie, so that it will not hurt the feelings of the worldwide spiritual and Hindu community."

"…If the trailer is an indicator of the content of the movie…then we feel that this movie is most likely to hurt the sentiments of seekers from various spiritual paths…it will hurt the religious sentiments of millions of Hindus worldwide, who hold the 'Guru-disciple' relationship as sacred…we are supporting Rajan Zed's protest against the denigration…Poking fun is one thing, but if it creates a sense of belittling other's faith, then it is wrong," Shinde stressed in this communique.

Meanwhile, furthering the drive pioneered by Indo-American leader Rajan Zed, various organizations and leaders have been coming out expressing concern about the possibility of "The Love Guru" hurting the sentiments of Hindus worldwide and urging filmmakers to be more responsible when handling faith related subjects. Zed has been saying that from the information available about the movie, it appears to be lampooning Hinduism and Hindus and using Hindu terms frivolously. Various Hindu, Catholic, Presbyterian, Jewish, Native American, Methodist, Buddhist, youth, film, spiritual/religious, music, yoga, civil rights, etc., leaders have already issued statements in support of this cause espoused by Rajan Zed.

On the other hand, Hindu groups have recently been approaching film distributors associations, exhibitors groups, regulatory bodies, government ministries, theater owners, etc., in various parts of the world urging them not to distribute/screen "The Love Guru" till Paramount Pictures makes necessary changes to it.

G. Kendrick Macdowell, Vice President of the National Association of Theatre Owners, largest exhibition trade organization in the world, replying to one such request wrote, "I am sympathetic to your concern as I have been to the ashrams in India and know a  little bit about the guru-disciple relationship. I have not seen the trailer or the movie, but I can guess that it satirizes 'gurus on the make'. I doubt I would find it funny. Nevertheless, we are not in a position to take action you recommend …we are a trade association, and we cannot interfere with the decisions of our members regarding what movies or trailers to play…"

Ilona Cheshire, Press Officer of prestigious British Film Institute (BFI), wrote in her reply, "Please rest assured that the BFI will not be screening this title nor will be involved with a possible release of it." J.L. Green, Chief Assistant (Policy) to the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), replying the communiqué, said, "The BBFC is sympathetic to your concerns. However, THE LOVE GURU has not been submitted to the BBFC for classification…".

A prominent Jewish Rabbi, Elizabeth W. Beyer of Nevada (USA), has called for boycott of  "The Love Guru" because it "…lampoons Hinduism, mocks Ashram life and Hindu philosophy…" and asking "who laughs at religious practices".

Paramount Pictures, through its Senior Vice President National Publicity, Jessica Rovins, has earlier stated, "It is our full intention to  screen the film for Rajan Zed and other Hindu leaders in the U.S. once we have a finished print." It may be recalled here that advance screenings of Mel Gibson's 2004 movie "The Passion of the Christ" were held for clergy and others.

"The Love Guru"; a comedy starring Mike Myers (of Austin Powers fame, who is also the co-writer and co-producer), Jessica Alba,  Justin Timberlake, Ben Kingsley; and directed by Marco Schnabel; is set to release on June 20 next. In it Myers, an American, raised in an ashram in India, moves back to US as Guru Pitka to seek fame and fortune in the world of self-help and spirituality. Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion followers. Moksha (liberation) is the ultimate goal of Hinduism.

Paramount Pictures Corporation is a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment.

Beginning with first moving picture made in Hyde Park London in 1889 and Lumiere brothers first show in 1896, UK has considerably
influenced the development of the world cinema. Claiming its Ealing Studios as the oldest in the world, UK has given us great films like
"2001: A Space Odyssey", "Lawrence of Arabia", "The Third Man", "Dr. Strangelove…", etc.

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Hindus taking protest against movie "The Love Guru" a step further

May 17, 2008

Vaishakh Shuddha Trayodashi

Hindu groups are taking the protest movement against upcoming Hollywood movie "The Love Guru", spearheaded by acclaimed Indo-American leader Rajan Zed sometime back, a step further.
 
According to HJS member in USA, activists of HJS will put protest fliers in temples, grocery stores, community centers, etc., in USA, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah, besides educating the communities in these countries about the movement. An online campaign will also be launched.
 
In India, Shinde said that attempts would be made to bring various Hindu organizations together to make a stand against this movie. India Central Board of Film Certification (Censor Board) and Embassy of India in Washington DC would be contacted and protest demonstrations would be held in India. Protest would go on till "The Love Guru" presenter Paramount Pictures has made necessary changes to the movie so that it would not hurt the feelings of the worldwide spiritual and Hindu community, she added.
 
On the other hand, supporting Zed's drive, Hindu groups have recently been approaching film distributors associations, exhibitors groups, regulatory bodies, government ministries, theater owners, etc., in various parts of the world urging them not to distribute/screen "The Love Guru" till Paramount Pictures makes necessary changes to it.
 
"…If the trailer is an indicator of the content of the movie…then we feel that this movie is most likely to hurt the sentiments of seekers from various spiritual paths…it will hurt the religious sentiments of millions of Hindus worldwide, who hold the 'Guru-disciple' relationship as sacred…we are supporting Rajan Zed's protest against the denigration…Poking fun is one thing, but if it creates a sense of belittling other's faith, then it is wrong," Shinde stressed in this communiqué.
 
G. Kendrick Macdowell, Vice President of the National Association of Theatre Owners, largest exhibition trade organization in the world, replying to one such request wrote, "I am sympathetic to your concern as I have been to the ashrams in India and know a little bit about the guru-disciple relationship. I have not seen the trailer or the movie, but I can guess that it satirizes 'gurus on the make'. I doubt I would find it funny. Nevertheless, we are not in a position to take action you recommend …we are a trade association, and we cannot interfere with the decisions of our members regarding what movies or trailers to play…"
 
Ilona Cheshire, Press Officer of prestigious British Film Institute (BFI), wrote in her reply, "Please rest assured that the BFI will not be screening this title nor will be involved with a possible release of it." J.L. Green, Chief Assistant (Policy) to the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), replying the communiqué, said, "The BBFC is sympathetic to your concerns. However, THE LOVE GURU has not been submitted to the BBFC for classification…".
 
Meanwhile, furthering the drive pioneered by Indo-American leader Rajan Zed, various organizations and leaders have been coming out expressing concern about the possibility of "The Love Guru" hurting the sentiments of Hindus worldwide and urging filmmakers to be more responsible when handling faith related subjects. Zed has been saying that from the information available about the movie, it appears to be lampooning Hinduism and Hindus and using Hindu terms frivolously. Various Hindu, Catholic, Presbyterian, Jewish, Native American, Methodist, Buddhist, youth, film, spiritual/religious, music, yoga, civil rights, etc., leaders have already issued statements in support of this cause espoused by Rajan Zed.
 
A prominent Jewish Rabbi, Elizabeth W. Beyer of Nevada (USA), has called for boycott of  "The Love Guru" because it "…lampoons Hinduism, mocks Ashram life and Hindu philosophy…" and asking "who laughs at religious practices". Paramount Pictures, through its Senior Vice President National Publicity, Jessica Rovins, has earlier stated, "It is our full intention to screen the film for Rajan Zed and other Hindu leaders in the U.S. once we have a finished print." It may be recalled here that advance screenings of Mel Gibson's 2004 movie "The Passion of the Christ" were held for clergy and others.

"The Love Guru"; a comedy starring Mike Myers (of Austin Powers fame, who is also the co-writer and co-producer), Jessica Alba, Justin Timberlake, Ben Kingsley; and directed by Marco Schnabel; is set to release on June 20 next. In it Myers, an American, raised in an ashram in India, moves back to US as Guru Pitka to seek fame and fortune in the world of self-help and spirituality. Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion followers. Moksha (liberation) is the ultimate goal of Hinduism. Paramount Pictures Corporation is a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment.

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Counter-arguments by HJS for Chopra's pro-'Love Guru' stance

Vaishakh Shuddha Trutiya/Chaturthi

The article published here is the answer of Hindu Janjagruti Samiti to Deepak Chopra's pro-'Love Guru' arguments on Beliefnet. Hindus, do remember such anti-Hindus at the time of Dharmakranti! - Editor

Deepak Chopra muses, 'On one side we have a Mike Myers comedy that is likely to be raucous and nose thumbing; on the other, a blogosphere campaign about giving offense to Hindus. With a huge cadre of Hindu fundamentalists lurking in the background in India, Hollywood is walking on eggshells.'  'If comedies don't poke fun, he asks, what else can they do? 'Advocates for the mentally disabled didn't rise up over Dumb and Dumber. Hasidic Jews resisted holding protests when Woody Allen hilariously appeared as one in Annie Hall,' he adds

In this current age of democracy, an objection taken by a section of a community in a peaceful manner because their faith has been ridiculed is being termed as fundamentalism.

Many respectable Hindu spiritual masters have criticized denigration of deities by Christian Missionaries in India. Even Mahatma Gandhi protested against missionaries for denigrating Hindu deities for their selfish aim and with a dogmatic attitude. Now what is the difference between their denigration and what Mike Myers has done! If Deepak Chopra were to be around the time of Swami Vivekananda and Gandhiji, he would have branded them as Fundamentalist too. Christian Missionaries made fun of the Hindu faith, to harvest souls and Mike Myers is doing it to earn money. Let people decide who is worse!

Comedy is appreciated when it brings a smile to all, as opposed to coming at the expense of mocking someone's faith.

‘The premature outcry against the movie is itself religious propaganda’, Deepak Chopra continues. 'Worse than that, the protestors expose the insecurity of Hindus who don't believe that their faith can stand on its own.'

Hindus, please understand Deepak Chopra's language. It is clear from it that making fun of Hindus is a deliberate thing. It's a deliberate thing! The problem is not with the protestors' faith, but the movie's spreading misinformation about Hinduism and its sacred Guru tradition. So, as per Chopra's logic, the Islamic protestors in the Danish cartoon controversy become persons with the weakest faith! Why doesn't Chopra test his faith by making some parody and comments like this on them! The fact that Chopra does not laugh at them shows that he is taking undue advantage of the tolerance and apathy of Hindus in such matters.

“The deeper irony is that the phrase 'Hindu fundamentalism' is a paradox to begin with,” he says with pain. 'The more purely you follow Hinduism, the more you tolerate differences, because God is seen everywhere,' he explains. The Atman or higher self not only transcends the turmoil of material life but is more real than material life. He hopes in the final reckoning the Hindu concept of Lila will prevail. Didn't the play of Goddess Shakti create the world out of sheer delight, he asks.'

Deepak Chopra preaches us a sermon about advaita (non duality with God). Does he know that the Sage like Adi Shankaracharya, who actually realized ‘Brahman Satya Jagan Mithya’ (God alone is the Truth, everything else/this world is illusory), went around the country, defeating mithyavada (falsehood/illusion) prevalent that time.

Obviously Deepak Chopra does not know that Sanatan Hindu Dharma teaches that the Guru is God and God is Dharma. Hinduism places in front of the common man Moksha-prapti (God realization) or advaita (non duality – God and I are one)  as the goal of life. Hinduism provides guidance on how the society should be, and facilitates reaching the ultimate aim, by giving direction about Dharma (righteousness) and adharma (unrighteousness).

Guru shows the path to the disciple by providing guidance on what is right and what is wrong. The Guru’s guidance is for society at large and also for a person’s individual progress. Dharma takes effort to spiritually elevate society, so that more and more people become eligible for the grace of a Guru. So is it not the duty of every Hindu to preserve the sanctity of the ‘Guru-disciple’ traditon? This is exactly what the protestors are doing.

'Lila shocks Westerners because the purpose of the universe isn't goodness and reverence for God but a divine comedy,' Chopra muses. 'The universe is recreational, and the most devout believers are those who abandon care and woe to join the cosmic dance'

So according to Chopra, his band of “devout believers” will, in the name of fun and comedy, mock the basic foundations of Sanatan Hindu Dharma, a philosophy that has stood times immemorial and has guided many great disciples of it like Swami Vivekananda, Maharshi Aurobindo and Ramkrishna Paramahamsa.
Chopra’s views totally contradict that of these great Saints. Whom should we believe? Writing bestseller books and having a following across the world does not entitle one to a claim that one is spiritually enlightened and to make one’s own ground rules on how Hinduism is to be interpreted.
 
Chopra says he does not consider himself a Hindu and that has been his spiritual position for over 25 years.

Herein lies the irony – a self-declared non-Hindu, educating society on Hinduism!

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Hindus urge NZ film organizations to halt "The Love Guru"

Press Release

May 5, 2008

Chaitra Amawasya

Hindu groups are contacting distributors' association, exhibitors group, theater companies, government ministries, etc., in New Zealand (NZ) urging them not to distribute/screen upcoming movie "The Love Guru" till Paramount Pictures makes necessary changes to it.
 
A member of Hindu Janjagruti Samiti and Sanatan Society for Scientific Spirituality, in communiqués to Motion Picture Distributors' Association of NZ; NZ Motion Picture Exhibitors Association, NZ Ministries of Education and Culture, NZ Film Commission, NZ Screen Council, Film NZ, and various theater groups, said, "…stop distributing or screening the movie in New Zealand till Paramount has made necessary changes to the movie, so that it will not hurt the feelings of the worldwide spiritual and Hindu community."
 
"…If the trailer is an indicator of the content of the movie…then we feel that this movie is most likely to hurt the sentiments of seekers from various spiritual paths and also the peaceful Hindu community at large in New Zealand…we are supporting Mr. Rajan Zed's protest against the denigration indicated in the movie…", Krishna stressed in this communiqué and added, "Poking fun is one thing, but if it creates a sense of belittling other's faith, then it is wrong."
 
Similar contacts by Hindu organizations have also been made with distributors associations, exhibitors groups, theater owners, etc., in various parts of the world making suchlike requests regarding distribution/screening of "The Love Guru".
 
Meanwhile, furthering the drive pioneered by acclaimed Hindu and Indo-American leader Rajan Zed, various organizations and leaders have been coming out expressing concern about the possibility of the film hurting the sentiments of Hindus worldwide and urging filmmakers to be more responsible when handling faith related subjects. Zed has been saying that from the information available about the movie, it appears to be lampooning Hinduism and Hindus and using Hindu terms frivolously.
 
Dinesh Ghodke, Director of World Alliance for Youth Empowerment; Sean Clarke, Editor of Spiritual Science Research Foundation; Prominent documentary filmmaker, Bryan D. Hall, who recently completed a film "Article VI" on faith and politics in America; Reverend Alan Dorway, Presbyterian Pastor in Nevada (USA); Natalie Kaharick, one of the leaders of International Association for Human Values; Irwin Sharp Fish Sr., a Native American Cultural/Spirituality Educator belonging to Sicangu Lakota/Burnt Thigh Sioux tradition; Pete Fairley, who runs a highly regarded music group Meadow Rock Percussion; William M. Miller, Chaplain-Educator in Washington (USA); Nick J. Coltrain, a student journalist; Reverend John J. Auer, Pastor of First United Methodist Church in Reno (USA); Andrea Forman, Founder of Shanti Shanti, only Sanskrit rock band in the world; Swami Pooja Saraswati, a well respected spiritual leader; Alison Pratte, a yoga leader; Father Charles T. Durante, a Catholic priest well respected in northern Nevada for his various community outreach efforts; Rabbi Jonathan B. Freirich, a well known Jewish leader in parts of California (USA) and Nevada; Right Reverend Gene Savoy Jr., Head Bishop of International Community of Christ; Reverend William Bartlett, a well known Buddhist priest and Interfaith Chaplain; Lonnie L. Feemster, civil rights activist belonging to National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; Vidya Chaitanya, Director of the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center in Los Angeles (USA); Paradheya Das of Sri Krishna Vedic Cultural Association in California; Jawahar L. Khurana, Chairperson of Hindu Alliance of India; Rakesh Nagpal, General Secretary of Shri Ramayan Pracharini Sabha; Lila D. Sharma, President of India Heritage Panel; and Dharam Loonaa, Executive Director of  the Universal Society of Hinduism; have already issued statements in support of this cause espoused by Rajan Zed.
 
Paramount Pictures, through its Senior Vice President National Publicity, Jessica Rovins, has earlier stated, "It is our full intention to screen the film for Rajan Zed and other Hindu leaders in the U.S. once we have a finished print."
 
It may be recalled here that advance screenings of Mel Gibson's 2004 movie "The Passion of the Christ" were held for clergy and others.

"The Love Guru"; a comedy starring Mike Myers (of Austin Powers fame, who is also the co-writer and co-producer), Jessica Alba, Justin Timberlake, Ben Kingsley; and directed by Marco Schnabel; is set to release on June 20 next. In it Myers, an American, raised in an ashram in India, moves back to US as Guru Pitka to seek fame and fortune in the world of self-help and spirituality.
 
Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion followers. Moksha (liberation) is the ultimate goal of Hinduism.
 
Paramount Pictures Corporation is a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment.

(This press release is also given to reporter of TV3 media in New Zealand, a popular TV news channel)

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Jewish leader calls for boycott of "The Love Guru" movie

Press Release

May 05, 2008

Chaitra Amawasya

USA: A prominent Jewish Rabbi has called for boycott of upcoming movie "The Love Guru" because it "lampoons Hinduism, mocks Ashram life and Hindu philosophy" and asking "who laughs at religious practices".

Rabbi Elizabeth W. Beyer of Nevada, in a statement, said, " 'The Love Guru' lampoons Hinduism, mocks Ashram life and Hindu philosophy.  While 'Guru Pitka' states that he endorses no particular religion, the movie clearly portrays him as a guru - religious leader of Hindus.  It is unfortunate that the comedy jabs at a culture of which many Americans are not familiar.  It leaves viewers with a distorted, sexually flagrant parody…In the case of this movie, we owe it to our Hindu friends to speak out against this misleading sham.  Gross distortions of another culture do not lead to improved relations, tolerance and understanding.  They lead towards disrespect.  Please join me in a boycott of this movie."

Meanwhile, furthering the drive pioneered by acclaimed Hindu and Indo-American leader Rajan Zed, various organizations and leaders have been coming out expressing concern about the possibility of this film hurting the sentiments of Hindus worldwide and urging filmmakers to be more responsible when handling faith related subjects. Zed has been saying that from the information available about the movie, it appears to be lampooning Hinduism and Hindus and using Hindu terms frivolously. Various Hindu, Catholic, Presbyterian, Jewish, Native American, Methodist, Buddhist, youth, film, spiritual/religious, music, yoga, civil rights, etc., leaders have already issued statements in support of this cause espoused by Rajan Zed.

On the other hand, Hindu groups are contacting film distributors associations, exhibitors groups, theater owners, etc., in various parts of the world urging them not to distribute/screen upcoming movie "The Love Guru" till Paramount Pictures makes necessary changes to it.

G. Kendrick Macdowell, Vice President of the National Association of Theatre Owners, largest exhibition trade organization in the world, replying to one such request wrote, "I am sympathetic to your concern as I have been to the ashrams in India and know a little bit about the guru-disciple relationship. I have not seen the trailer or the movie, but I can guess that it satirizes 'gurus on the make'. I doubt I would find it funny. Nevertheless, we are not in a position to take action you recommend …we are a trade association, and we cannot interfere with the decisions of our members regarding what movies or trailers to play…"

Paramount Pictures, through its Senior Vice President National Publicity, Jessica Rovins, has earlier stated, "It is our full intention to screen the film for Rajan Zed and other Hindu leaders in the U.S. once we have a finished print."

It may be recalled here that advance screenings of Mel Gibson's 2004 movie "The Passion of the Christ" were held for clergy and others.

"The Love Guru"; a comedy starring Mike Myers (of Austin Powers fame, who is also the co-writer and co-producer), Jessica Alba, Justin Timberlake, Ben Kingsley; and directed by Marco Schnabel; is set to release on June 20 next. In it Myers, an American, raised in an ashram in India, moves back to US as Guru Pitka to seek fame and fortune in the world of self-help and spirituality.

Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion followers. Moksha (liberation) is the ultimate goal of Hinduism.

Paramount Pictures Corporation is a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment.

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Hindus approach Film distributors to halt Love Guru

Press Release

April 30,2008

Chaitra Krushna Navami

USA: Hindu groups are contacting film distributors associations, exhibitors groups, theater owners, etc., in various parts of the world urging them not to distribute/screen upcoming movie "The Love Guru" till Paramount Pictures makes necessary changes to it. 

HJS member, in communiqués to Motion Picture Association of America; International Federation of Film Distributors Associations and International Union of Cinemas—both based in France; National Association of Theater Owners; Central Board of Film Certification India; and various other such bodies, said, "…stop distributing or screening the movie till Paramount has made necessary changes to the movie, so that it will not hurt the feelings of the worldwide spiritual and Hindu community." 

"…If the trailer is an indicator of the content of the movie…then we feel that this movie is most likely to hurt the sentiments of seekers from various spiritual paths…it will hurt the religious sentiments of the millions of Hindus worldwide, who hold the 'Guru-disciple' relationship as sacred…we are supporting Rajan Zed's protest against the denigration…", HJS member stressed in this communiqué and added, "Poking fun is one thing, but if it creates a sense of belittling other's faith, then it is wrong." 

Meanwhile, furthering the drive pioneered by acclaimed Hindu and Indo-American leader Rajan Zed, various organizations and leaders have been coming out expressing concern about the possibility of the film hurting the sentiments of Hindus worldwide and urging filmmakers to be more responsible when handling faith related subjects. Zed has been saying that from the information available about the movie, it appears to be lampooning Hinduism and Hindus and using Hindu terms frivolously. 

Dinesh Ghodke, Director of World Alliance for Youth Empowerment, in a statement said, "…there is no point in creating more prejudice in the name of religion…" and urged the Paramount Pictures to take into consideration the sentiments of more than a billion strong community around the world. 

A Hindu in Australia, in a letter to Australia Attorney General, on the issue of  "The Love Guru" hurting religious sentiments, wrote, "…please intervene in this issue and to kindly use your good office to put a ban on this movie from being released in Australia…" 

Sean Clarke, Editor of Spiritual Science Research Foundation, in a letter to Paramount Pictures, urged, "…Change the name of the movie, remove any form of denigration towards the Guru, apologize to the international spiritual community." 

Prominent documentary filmmaker, Bryan D. Hall, who recently completed a film "Article VI" on faith and politics in America; Reverend Alan Dorway, Presbyterian Pastor in Nevada; Natalie Kaharick, one of the leaders of International Association for Human Values; Irwin Sharp Fish Sr., a Native American Cultural/Spirituality Educator belonging to Sicangu Lakota/Burnt Thigh Sioux tradition; Pete Fairley, who runs a highly regarded music group Meadow Rock Percussion; William M. Miller, Chaplain-Educator in Spokane (Washington); Nick J. Coltrain, a student journalist; Reverend John J. Auer, Pastor of First United Methodist Church in Reno; Andrea Forman, Founder of Shanti Shanti, only Sanskrit rock band in the world; Swami Pooja Saraswati, a well respected spiritual leader; Alison Pratte, a yoga leader; Father Charles T. Durante, a Catholic priest well respected in northern Nevada for his various community outreach efforts; Rabbi Jonathan B. Freirich, a well known Jewish leader in parts of California and Nevada; Right Reverend Gene Savoy Jr., Head Bishop of International Community of Christ; Reverend William Bartlett, a well known Buddhist priest and Interfaith Chaplain; Lonnie L. Feemster, civil rights activist and Religious Affairs Chair of Reno-Sparks National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; Vidya Chaitanya, Director of the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center in Los Angeles; Paradheya Das of Sri Krishna Vedic Cultural Association in Sacramento (California); Jawahar L. Khurana, Chairperson of Hindu Alliance of India; Rakesh Nagpal, General Secretary of Shri Ramayan Pracharini Sabha; Lila D. Sharma, President of India Heritage Panel; and Dharam Loonaa, Executive Director of  the Universal Society of Hinduism; have already issued statements in support of this cause espoused by Rajan Zed. 

Paramount Pictures, through its Senior Vice President National Publicity, Jessica Rovins, has earlier stated, "It is our full intention to screen the film for Rajan Zed and other Hindu leaders in the U.S. once we have a finished print." 

It may be recalled here that advance screenings of Mel Gibson's 2004 movie "The Passion of the Christ" were held for clergy and others.

"The Love Guru"; a comedy starring Mike Myers (of Austin Powers fame, who is also the co-writer and co-producer), Jessica Alba, Justin Timberlake, Ben Kingsley; and directed by Marco Schnabel; is set to release on June 20 next. In it Myers, an American, raised in an ashram in India, moves back to US as Guru Pitka to seek fame and fortune in the world of self-help and spirituality. 

Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion followers. Moksha (liberation) is the ultimate goal of Hinduism. 

Paramount Pictures Corporation is a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment.

Related HJS sections

• Protest against defamation of Hindu Deities & Symbols
• Protest against anti-Hindu painter Hussain
  

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The Prominent Persons and Organisations supporting Protest

Sr. No.	Name of Person	Organization/Designation
1.	Shri. Rajan Zed	Prominent Hindu Leader in USA
2.	Dinesh Ghodke	Director of World Alliance for Youth Empowerment
3.	Sean Clarke	Editor, Spiritual Science Research Foundation
4.	Bryan D. Hall	Prominent documentary filmmaker
5.	Reverend Alan Dorway	Presbyterian Pastor in Nevada (USA)
6.	Natalie Kaharick	one of the leaders of International Association for Human Values
7.	Irwin Sharp Fish Sr.	Native American Cultural and Spirituality Educator
8.	Pete Fairley	Meadow Rock Percussion
9.	William M. Miller	Chaplain-Educator in Washington
10.	Nick J. Coltrain	A student journalist
11.	Reverend John J. Auer	Pastor of First United Methodist Church in Reno (USA)
12.	Andrea Forman	Founder of Shanti Shanti, only Sanskrit rock band in the world
13.	Swami Pooja Saraswati	Well respected spiritual leader
14.	Alison Pratte	A yoga leader
15.	Charles T. Durante	A Catholic priest
16.	Rabbi Jonathan Freirich	Well known Jewish leader
17.	Reverend Gene Savoy Jr.	Head Bishop of International Community of Christ
18.	Reverend William Bartlett	Buddhist priest and Interfaith Chaplain
19.	Lonnie L. Feemster	civil rights activist belonging to National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
20.	Vidya Chaitanya	Director of the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center in Los Angeles (USA)
21.	Paradheya Das	Sri Krishna Vedic Cultural Association in California
22.	Jawahar L. Khurana	Chairperson of Hindu Alliance of India
23.	Rakesh Nagpal	General Secretary of Shri Ramayan Pracharini Sabha
24.	Lila D. Sharma	President of India Heritage Panel
25.	Dharam Loonaa	Executive Director of  the Universal Society of Hinduism