Days after Lenskart faced online criticism for its erstwhile grooming policy, which banned bindi and tilak for employees, leading to an apology from founder Peyush Bansal, similar claims have been made against India's national air carrier, Air India, on social media.
A screenshot of a purported Air India cabin crew handbook has gone viral on social media, stating that traditional markers such as Sindoor, Bindi, Tilak, and Kalawa (religious thread tied on hands) are not allowed while on duty.
The post by an X user, Pranav Mahajan, went viral quickly. Users were found asking why a national carrier is seemingly erasing the cultural identity of its staff.
Air India Denies Claims
However, when contacted, Air India rubbished the claims and said that the image of the manual going viral on the internet is outdated and is no longer in use.
"Air India would like to clarify that its employees have the choice to wear a bindi. The images being circulated online are from an older manual that is no longer in use," an Air India Spokesperson told The Daily Jagran.
Social Media Reactions To Viral Claims
While Air India categorically denied any such manual in use which prohibits crew from wearing a Bindi or Tilak, social media users were quick to target the airline.
A user reacted to the viral post, comparing it with the dress code of Pakistan's PIA, Qatar Airways and Saudi Arabian Airlines. "Pakistan's PIA, Qatar's Qatar Airways, Saudi Arabia's airline, all Muslim countries have allowed Hijab for air hostesses, and the majority wears that. While it's only in India that Hindus are made to feel ashamed of their Hinduness. Time to Change now. No more Hinduphobia," the user wrote on X.
Another user wrote, "Best is to boycott people/ organisations who disrespect Hindu faith even slightly. It is extremely difficult for them to understand and change their mind because of ego and hatred. Let their share prices crash… Tit for tat is the only way".
Lenskart Controversy
The Lenskart controversy stemmed from a viral document titled "Lenskart Staff Uniform and Grooming Guide." According to the document, Bindis, Tilaks, and Sindoors, among other religious symbols, were banned for the staff, but hijab was allowed.
Founder Peyush Bansal later clarified it to be an outdated internal training policy document, apologising for the lapse.