Mumbai, April 16: Filmmaker and social activist Ashok Pandit has voiced strong criticism regarding Lenskart’s recently released ‘Style Guide’ for employees. He took to social media to urge a boycott of the company.
Pandit pointed out that while the company allows hijabs, it imposes a complete ban on traditional Hindu symbols such as bindi, tilak, and kalawa. In an Instagram post, he stated, “Piyush Bansal tells his employees that hijabs are acceptable, but bindi, tilak, and kalawa are not.”
He highlighted that this issue arises from the 11th page of Lenskart’s style guide, which is intended for its employees. Pandit questioned why a company that relies heavily on Hindu employees and customers in a predominantly Hindu nation would impose such restrictions on Hindu symbols.
Additionally, he shared the strict regulations outlined in the style guide, which specify that if employees wear a hijab, it must be black. The company permits hijabs, provided they cover the medium chest and do not obscure the company logo. While turbans are allowed, they too must be black. The guide prohibits religious marks, tilak, bindi, or stickers, and even restricts the application of mehndi, which can only be done with management approval for a maximum of ten days on special occasions.
According to the style guide, wearing any type of cap or hat is also prohibited. Other rules include keeping a blue torch and spray bottle in stores, using hair nets for messy hair, and wearing black fitted t-shirts to cover tattoos.
Pandit described this policy as insensitive to Hindu sentiments, asserting that such an approach is inappropriate in a Hindu-majority country, as it undermines the religious feelings of Hindu employees. He has called on the public to boycott Lenskart products.
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