Air India is defending its dress code policies after claims surfaced that its crew manual prohibits religious symbols such as bindi, sindoor, and tilak. This controversy follows a similar backlash against Lenskart, a retail brand, which was accused of religious bias for restricting Hindu symbols while allowing others. Air India clarified that the images circulating online are from an outdated manual, asserting that employees have the choice to wear bindi. The debate has sparked discussions about the intersection of cultural expression and safety in aviation. Experts emphasize that airline dress codes are primarily focused on operational safety, ensuring crew members can move freely and be easily identifiable in emergencies. They argue that restrictions are based on risk assessments rather than religious discrimination. While acknowledging the importance of safety and uniformity, industry voices stress the need for airlines to remain culturally sensitive, advocating for a balanced approach that respects both operational requirements and cultural inclusivity.