MEA takes up Lakshmi swimwear issue

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday reacted strongly to an Australian company depicting image of Goddess Lakshmi on its swimwear.

?In the recently concluded Rosemount Australian fashion week in Sydney, a designer Ms. Lisa Burke, had displayed certain swimwear costumes carrying Indian religious images inappropriately,? said the MEA in a statement.

?The Ministry of External Affairs has conveyed its deep concern to the Australian High Commission in New Delhi, asking that all concerned be apprised of the Indian religious sensitivities in the matter. The issue was similarly, taken up by our Consulate General in Sydney with the fashion designer,? said the statement.

The MEA said the designer has apolozied to the Hindu community on the issue.

?The designer has promptly apologized ?to the Hindu community? and assured that the range has been withdrawn and will never be available for sale in any stockists or retail outlet anywhere in the world and has stopped production of the swimwear in question,? said the MEA.