Lenskart Faces Intense Social Media Scrutiny Over Festive Campaign and Policies
Lenskart, the prominent eyewear retailer, has once again become a major topic of discussion across various social media platforms, with conversations surrounding the brand accelerating significantly in recent days. The company has been under intense public scrutiny, and a new issue has now amplified the ongoing debate. Following earlier criticism regarding an alleged internal policy, attention has shifted dramatically to one of the brand's festive marketing campaigns.
Pongal-Themed Advertisement Sparks Widespread Debate
A Pongal-themed advertisement by Lenskart is now being rigorously questioned by numerous users online, with the controversy expanding rapidly. What began as isolated reactions has transformed into a broader conversation, with people extensively sharing their perspectives on how the traditional South Indian festival has been depicted in the campaign.
The Moment That Ignited the Controversy
The latest discussion erupted after social media user Krithika Sivaswami posted her critical reaction to the advertisement. She raised substantial questions about the creative choices made in the campaign, explicitly writing, "Who the heck eats dates for Pongal? And what's with the costume & props?" Her comment quickly gained substantial traction, prompting numerous other users to join the conversation and express their viewpoints.
Social Media Users Express Strong Cultural Concerns
As the post spread across platforms, several users voiced deep concern about the portrayal of Pongal traditions. Many felt strongly that the visual elements, food representations, and overall presentation failed to align with authentic traditional celebrations. One user commented pointedly, "It's already clear from their internal policy document, it clearly shows their alignment. Don't get shocked when their models are having non veg on Diwali ads. Is this question even logical? It is very clear from their act what they are trying to do. Simple."
Another user expressed more vehement criticism, stating, "We as a hindu society must give up this nonsense called tolerance, and must not accept any vile thing. Every now n then there r sm bastards doing dilution, mockery n abuse. Did this company not know that pongal is hindu festival? Showing this distasteful, colourless, lifeless way."
Food representation emerged as a central point in the discussion. One user emphasized, "very basic Pongal lunch: there are 100 side dishes. Hindus don't eat dates on any festival because our land is blessed with an abundance of food grains, dairy and spices; hence, the unlimited cuisine."
Another reaction read, "They got confused with Ramzan. Seriously, every self-respecting Hindu must ensure that we never buy anything from Lenskart." This sentiment was echoed with hashtags like #BoycottLenskart gaining momentum. One more comment added succinctly, "Ramadan celebration gone wrong."
Some users also focused on styling elements, with one comment noting, "Where is the bindhi? No bindhi No business."
Earlier Controversy Still Fresh in Public Memory
This situation develops shortly after another significant issue involving the company's alleged internal dress code policy. The topic originally gained substantial attention after political commentator Shefali Vaidya shared claims about it on social media platform X. She wrote authoritatively, "So I confirmed, this is genuine. This is what @peyushbansal tells his employees, hijab is okay, but bindi/tilak/Kalawa is not, for @Lenskart_com, a company that exists in Hindu majority Bharat, where most of the employees and consumers are Hindu!"
Company Issues Official Clarification
Responding to the mounting criticism, Lenskart co-founder Peyush Bansal addressed the concerns directly. He stated that the document circulating online was outdated and did not reflect current company policies. "I've been seeing an inaccurate policy document going viral about Lenskart. I want to speak directly that this document does not reflect our present guidelines. Our policy has no restrictions on any form of religious expression, including bindi and tilak, and we continue to review our guidelines regularly," he asserted.
He further elaborated, "Our grooming policy has evolved over the years and outdated versions do not represent who we are today. We apologize for the confusion and concern this situation has caused. We as a company, continue to learn and build. Any lapses in our language or policies have and will continue to be addressed."
Bansal also spoke emphatically about the company's fundamental identity, declaring, "We have thousands of team members across Bharat who wear their faith and culture proudly every day at our stores. They are Lenskart. Lenskart was built in Bharat, by Indians, for Indians. Every symbol and every tradition our people carry is a part of who we are as a company. I will never let that be compromised."
Disclaimer: This article is based on social media posts, user reactions, and statements shared online. The claims made by individuals have not been independently verified. Lenskart's response has been included as issued on its official platform.
