Saraswati Namasthubhyam Varade Kamarupini Vidhyarambam Karishyami Siddhir Bavathume Sadha

Salutations to Goddess Saraswati, the one who gives boon and grants wishes. As I begin my education, shower me with the knowledge and intellect I need to attain wisdom;

This is the reverence and complete devotion with which every Hindu picks up his pencil and prays for the blessings of Goddess Saraswati before beginning his or her school life.

Saraswati is the Goddess of wisdom, her four hands adorn Vedas, Japmala (necklace), Kumandalu (pot of water) and Veena (musical instrument). The Vedas signify universal knowledge, the Japmala signifies spirituality, introspection, and meditation, the Kumandalu signifies creativity and power of purification, the Veena represents sciences of perfection in Arts and Music. Nowhere in the closest proximity could the name of this Goddess be associated with anything that has got nothing to do with education or values or art, the last on the list would be alcohol. Very recently there was an advertisement put up from ALDI SÜD, a German Supermarket, that they are selling a product with the name- Saraswati Premium Dry Gin.

By naming their alcoholic product with such a name ALDI has acted recklessly and insulted Hindus throughout the world. This kind of Irresponsible and unethical Businesses practices by ALDI will tarnish the image of Hindus worldwide and a testimony of mocking someone’s faith. Today it is Hindus who are victims of Cultural appropriation, tomorrow it could be people belonging to any religion (Muslims, Christians, Jews). Therefore, Aldi should apologize to the Hindu community and recall the advertised brand from its supply in its supermarket chain.

Only one news portal named https://www.satyawahr.com/ from India covered this news 

It is the duty of a every responsible citizen regardless of race, religion and identity living in Germany and India to stand up against such practices of cultural misappropriation. To support a campaign against such ill-practices, cultural appropriation is nothing but promoting harmonious existence in German society and in the world. Cultural misappropriation must stop!

All glory to Godess Saraswati!!