Lenskart Founder Clarifies Controversy Over Religious Symbols in Employee Guidelines A social media controversy erupted after a viral post claimed Lenskart’s internal style guide prohibited Hindu religious symbols like bindi and tilak while allowing the hijab. The alleged policy sparked widespread backlash, with users accusing the eyewear company of discriminatory practices. Founder Peyush Bansal swiftly addressed the claims, stating the document in question was outdated and did not reflect the company’s current policies. The controversy began when a screenshot circulated online, purportedly from Lenskart’s employee guidelines, suggested the company permitted the hijab but restricted Hindu symbols such as bindi, tilak, and Kalawa. Writer Shefali Vaidya, a prominent social media figure, shared the screenshot and questioned the alleged policy, highlighting the perceived double standard. She wrote, “This is what @peyushbansal tells his employees: hijab is okay, but bindi/tilak/Kalawa is not, for @Lenskart_com, a company in Hindu-majority Bharat.” Her post ignited debates about workplace inclusivity and cultural sensitivity. Online reactions were sharply divided. Some users condemned the alleged policy as discriminatory, arguing it unfairly targeted Hindu employees. One user criticized the policy, stating, “Hindu employees denied the right to wear kumkum/bindi, while hijab is allowed? Double standards must end.” Another user vowed to boycott Lenskart, saying, “I will never buy glasses from Lenskart… this anti-Hindu establishment.” Others called the situation “stupidity” and accused the company of undermining cultural sentiments. In response, Bansal clarified on X that the circulated document was inaccurate and did not represent the company’s current guidelines.#lenskart #peyush_bansal #shefali_vaidya #bindi #tilak
