Hyderabad: Mantra on the ramp angers Jains

Hyderabad: Members of the Jain community are upset with the organisers of a fashion show where the scared Navkar mantra was played as models walked down the ramp. The show was conducted by JCI Deccan Events at SS Convention Centre at Shamshabad on the city outskirts on Sunday night.

Upon receiving the news, members of the Jain Sewa Sangh expressed anger with the organisers and demanded an apology. They, however, refrained from filing a complaint with the police.

The incident comes just days before the community celebrates the Mahavir Jayanti on April 16. Mr Vinod Kimtee, president of the Telangana state unit of the Jain Sewa Sangh, said, “It has hurt our sentiments. How can they play the sacred mantra that we recite during our puja at an event where models are walking down the ramp?”

Mr Kimtee said that they had asked the organisers to tender an unconditional apology.

Another community member, Mr Surana Jain, added, “The use of the scared mantra at a fashion show shows disrespect to the sentiments of the Jain community. Strict action should be taken and organisers of such events should be punished. Asked about the allegation, a representative of JCI Deccan Events told this newspaper: “It was the choreographer who composed the music.

There was no intention to harm anyone or do damage behind using the music.” He said the choreographer had apologised to the Jain community members in an email. “The matter has been resolved,” the representative said.