Royal Mail withdraws anti-Hindu stamp

LONDON: The controversial Christmas stamp issued by Royal Mail depicting Virgin Mary with traditional Hindu markings (‘tilak’) based on a 17th century painting has been partially withdrawn. The stamp, priced at 68 pence — the basic cost of sending letters to India — had raised hackles of Hindu groups in Britain who first demanded its withdrawal and then threatened an agitation after Royal Mail refused do so.

Royal Mail says the stocks of the stamp will run out early next week and it will not be replenished. The stamp will be henceforth only available on request. The painting on which the stamp is based is reported to be hanging in a gallery in Mumbai. Hindu groups alleged that the stamp amounted to an insult to Hinduism.

Ramesh Kallidai, secretary general of the Hindu Forum of Britain, said, “Would the worldwide Christian community feel comfortable if the government of India issued a Diwali stamp with a Christian priest offering worship to baby Krishna?”

 A Royal Mail spokesman said no offence had been intended. “We thought it would be nice to return to a religious theme.” “It would be insensitive to use it at a time when the issue of conversions in India has been a subject of heated debate,”Kallidai added.