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THE HAGUE, THE NETHERLANDS, July 24, 2003: MTV Networks Belgium apologized and has removed from circulation a piece entitled “Festival Report,” which included a six-armed Ganesha. In His hands are a guitar, bag of french fries, microphone, cigarette and beer cup, with the sixth hand in the traditional position of blessing. The Dutch watchdog group, AGNI, objected to the producers and received this apology (translated from Dutch) from Michel Dupont, head of operations for MTV Networks Belgium: “As confirmed during out phone call this morning all TV commercials or promo’s including Lord Ganesha with beer and cigarettes are removed from screen. I have personally contacted my colleagues in Holland and London to be absolutely sure this will be respected. Unfortunately, some print material was already delivered to the media, and could not be changed any more. But here also I can assure you that all future print material has been adapted. Again, on behalf of MTV Networks, I would like to sincerely apologize for offending anyone concerned, and promise that we will be very careful in the future.” The use of a multi-armed Hindu Deity is common in advertising, allowing as it does the artist to include a number of elements in the various hands. Generally Hindus haven’t protested the practice, unless one or more of the elements are considered objectionable in association with the sacred image. This incident highlights the favorable response that is common when an organization or company is approached in a cool-headed manner and the issue for Hindus carefully explained to them.



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