Published: May 15, 2009

Hindus Consider Worldwide Sony Boycott

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Hindus upset over Sony's "Hanuman: Boy Warrior" videogame and further frustrated by the callous handling by Sony officials, are considering a worldwide Sony boycott.

Hindu statesman, Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said despite communication between Sony officials and Hindu leaders, the issue had not yet been resolved. Sony officials said they would look into it and get back to Hindu leaders, but they have not done so at the time of writing.

Zed, president of the Universal Society of Hinduism, said that if nothing was heard by Hindu leaders from Sony by May 21, then protesting Hindu groups and leaders would re-evaluate the protest and announce a future course, which might include calling for boycott of Sony products by Hindus and other likeminded people and supporters. It might also include requesting major wholesalers and retailers, in India and elsewhere, not to carry this videogame.

Hindus demanded the withdrawal of the recently launched Sony PlayStation2 video game "Hanuman: Boy Warrior", saying it trivializes the highly revered deity of Hinduism, and wanted apology from Sony for creating it.

Rajan Zed argued that reimagining Hindu scriptures and deities for commercial or other agendas was not okay as it hurt devotees.

According to Zed, Hindu leaders and groups throughout the world followed his lead and requested withdrawal of the "Hanuman: Boy Warrior" video game.

Lord Hanuman is greatly revered and his worship is very popular among Hindus. Numerous temples are dedicated to Lord Hanuman.

Hinduism is the oldest and third largest religion in the world, with about one billion adherents. Sony, headquartered in Tokyo, is one of the most comprehensive entertainment companies in the world.