Why Is Boycott OYO Trending? Hindus Strike Back With 'Sentiments'
Ritesh Agarwal's lodging company, oyo Rooms, has come under fire after a recent campaign incited religious organizations to express indignation. Published in a hindi daily, the half-page advertising campaign has drawn a lot of criticism for what is seen as its insensitivity to Hindu beliefs.
Advertisement Sparks Controversy
"Bhagwan Har Jagah Hai" (God is everywhere) and "Aur oyo Bhi" (And so is OYO) were the taglines of the advertising. Several Hindu groups found it insulting and disrespectful to their faith to draw a connection between the omnipresence of god and the ubiquitous availability of OYO. The outcry was immediate, with several social media users and Hindu organizations demanding an apology from OYO.
"Bhagwan Har Jagah Hai" (God is everywhere) and "Aur oyo Bhi" (And so is OYO) were the taglines of the advertising. Several Hindu groups found it insulting and disrespectful to their faith to draw a connection between the omnipresence of god and the ubiquitous availability of OYO. The outcry was immediate, with several social media users and Hindu organizations demanding an apology from OYO.
Enraged users expressed their dissatisfaction on several channels, causing the hashtag #BoycottOYO to trend. Outraged, one user said, "OYO has assaulted the Hindu religion! Why would people liken themselves to God? "Immediately apologize and take down this absurd advertisement, or oyo will be the target of protests in every city." Others expressed similar opinions, calling for the corporation to issue an official statement and for the commercial to be taken down.
Religious Symbolism in oyo adds Fuel to the Fire
The commercial was hardly the end of the debate. Religious organizations also expressed disapproval of OYO's logo after an old Ritesh Agarwal interview surdata-faced, revealing that the design was influenced by the venerated Hindu god Lord Jagannath. Agarwal claims that the 'Y' in the emblem stands for the nose, and the two 'O's for the deity's eyes. The outcry was exacerbated by this disclosure, as detractors said that it was improper and insulting to use religious iconography for commercial branding. oyo has been pushed by several religious groups to reevaluate their branding and provide clarity.
OYO Brand Strategy Under Scrutiny
OYO is trying to reinvent itself as a "family-friendly" hotel company at the moment of the crisis. The firm, which was previously known for serving young tourists and unmarried couples, has implemented a policy that permits partner hotels in specific areas to turn down reservations from unmarried couples based on local traditions and values. oyo has not yet responded formally to the mounting criticism. According to industry analysts, the reaction may affect the company's rebranding initiatives and general customer impression.