India objects strongly to Jay Leno8217;s remark on Golden Temple

The visiting NRI Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi yesterday 8220;objected8221; to the remark and said he has directed Indian Ambassador to the US Nirupama Rao to take up the matter with the State Department.

8220;It is quite unfortunate and quite objectionable that such a comment has been made after showing the8230; Golden temple,8221; Ravi told a group of Indian reporters.

8220;Golden temple is Sikh community8217;s most sacred place. Even our Prime Minister went there for praying in the New Year. I believe that the person who has shown is not that ignorant. The American Government should also look at this kind of thing,8221; the NRI Affairs Minister said.

8220;I wish this kind of thing is not shown by any media in the US,8221; Ravi said,adding that he has not seen the show personally and has heard about it from the Sikh community.

8220;Freedom does not mean hurt the sentiments of others8230; This is not acceptable to us and we take a very strong objection for such a display of an important place like Golden temple,8221; Ravi said.

8220;The Embassy is fully aware of it and they will take it up,8221; he said.

The comment on Leno8217;s January 19 show has resulted in a outrage in the small but strong Sikh community here. They have launched an online petition against Leno and have started a Face Book page to express their anger against him.

Jay Leno himself was not immediately available for comment.