'No Malayalees were hurt': Ather Energy's official statement after receiving flak for chapatti in Onam Sadhya

The statement further added that the Sadhya meal was otherwise prepared by Malayalee chefs at their Bengaluru office. (Image: @atherenergy/X)

Days after Ather Energy, an electric two-wheeler manufacturer, faced online criticism post sharing images from its Onam celebrations at the office, the company has offered an explanation. In the viral post, co-founders, Tarun Mehta and Swapnil Jain, were seen dressed in traditional Kerala attire alongside employees enjoying an Onam Sadhya meal. However, it was the inclusion of chapatti, a north Indian staple, in the feast that attracted widespread criticism for deviating from the cultural tradition of the Sadhya.

The images were shared on social media by CEO Tarun Mehta on X (formerly Twitter), showcasing the festive atmosphere at Ather Energy. However, social media users quickly pointed out the inconsistency, noting that chapatti is not traditionally part of the Onam Sadhya, which typically includes rice, sambar, avial, and payasam served on a banana leaf. The departure from this norm led to backlash from users who criticised the cultural inaccuracy of the meal.

Onam at Ather office today!Onashamsakal! pic.twitter.com/xelzpAl63Q
Tarun Mehta (@tarunsmehta) September 11, 2024

In response to the controversy, Ather Energy released an official statement addressing the concerns. The company acknowledged the inclusion of chapatti but clarified that it was an optional item, provided for employees who preferred it. "Thankfully, no Malayalees were hurt in this incident,” the statement noted in a light-hearted tone, adding that the Sadhya meal was otherwise prepared by Malayalee chefs at their Bengaluru office. The company reassured that traditional items such as white rice, brown rice, and other dishes were served as part of the meal, and that chapatti had not replaced any of the customary foods.

Official announcement regarding this incident.cc: @tarunsmehta @swapniljain89 pic.twitter.com/8d9HP3UUUrAther Energy (@atherenergy) September 13, 2024

Ather further noted that it had taken steps to ensure cultural sensitivity, including holding workshops to prevent similar situations in the future. The company acknowledged the error while emphasising the company’s respect for the cultural traditions of Onam.

Onam, Kerala’s most important festival, is marked by the traditional Sadhya feast, a significant part of the celebrations. The meal, which consists of numerous vegetarian dishes served on a banana leaf, holds deep cultural importance. The inclusion of non-traditional items, such as chapatti, is often seen as a breach of cultural etiquette, making it a sensitive issue for many.