Central Department of Buddhist Studies Tribhuvan University has expressed concern on printing of Buddha's image on the shoes manufactured by an American shoe company, Icon Shoe Design. ICON Shoes is using Buddha's pictures for its designs in Open Back Mule, Low Wood Heel Clog and Open Back Dress Slide shoes.
The Department said it was a disrespect of the Lord Buddha, a national luminary of Nepal, who spread the message of peace to the world. All the buddhist followers all over the world are outraged over the ‘Buddha shoes' created by a company
The act has hurt the faith and sentiments of the Buddhist followers all over the world by spoiling the religious tolerance, and urged the company to stop such acts immediately. Till date icon shoes has not taken any actions for removing and recalling its shoes. Department Chief Dr. Milan Ratna Shakya said it was not right to replicate any preachers of any religions, not only the Buddha, that would hurt the feelings of the followers.
