After outrage, 'Hitler' store in Ahmedabad to be renamed

A merchandise shop in Vastrapur area of Ahmedabad, controversially calling itself 'Hitler' will have to change its name and identity after it sparked protests from all over the world.

The co-owners -- Rajesh Shah, 32, and Manish Chandani, 24 seem to have a penchant for odd names -- they have another shop called 'Jeans Casino' in Ahmedabad.

Rajesh claims, "My store's name has nothing to do with the German dictator Adolph Hitler."

The name was inspired by Manish's grandfather who they say, was very strict, so they nicknamed him 'Hitler'. 'Hitler', to these two friends, is an adjective and does not literally mean the notorious figure.

Rajesh says, "We started the store on August 20 this year. And within a week, people from all over the world started complaining about the name."

"We kept a hoarding outside our shop which said, 'Hitler -- opening shortly'. Nobody complained, then. But soon after we opened, the protests started, and they haven't stopped. The expense of getting everything changed is around Rs 2 lakh."

Both the partners received calls from countries such as Israel, the United Kingdom, the United States and Germany. The Israeli embassy threatened it would seek an appointment with Chief Minister Narendra Modi if action was not taken soon.

The partners have now agreed to change the name of the store. They are planning to come up with another catchy name and put up a new banner outside their shop. A Jew gentleman from the US has even offered to compensate them for the expenses, an offer the duo is considering.

Picture: Owners Manish Chandani (left) and Rajesh Shah pose outside their garment store in Ahmedabad

Photograph: Amit Dave/Reuters