Madonna - Madonna Criticised For Not Doing Enough For The Roma

MADONNA can't seem to catch a break over her support of the Roma community of Eastern Europe - Hindu leaders are convinced she should be doing more to help.

The pop superstar was booed at a concert in Bucharest, Romania in August (09) when she called for tolerance towards the discriminated gypsies and has since donated a pair of Christian Dior shoes to an auction held to raise cash for a leading education charity aimed at raising funds for Roma children.

But, despite the gratitude of gypsy leaders, the singer has been attacked by Hindu groups for not doing more.

The religious leaders believe the Roma people migrated to mainland Europe from India in the 11th century; they are believed to have their roots in the Hindu culture.

Rajan Zed, the president of Universal Society of Hinduism, says, "Hindus are urging Madonna to wholeheartedly undertake the Roma cause and do substantially more than just donating a used pair of shoes for the Roma charity.

"Madonna is the highest-earning musician of the world, making around $110 million in a 12-month period; she should do more for the Roma people, who are facing apartheid conditions.

"She has promoted humanitarian causes the world over and Roma would be the next worthwhile cause for her to undertake... Madonna should not stay an apathetic and silent spectator when our Roma brothers and sisters were reportedly facing blatant injustice and discrimination in Europe."

The pop superstar, who recently laid the foundations for a new school she is funding, was a big hit at the Halloween night (31Oct09) Ovidiu Rom charity auction - her designer shoes sold for a reported $16,000 (£10,000).

A gold chain donated by British actress Vanessa Redgrave went under the hammer at the auction for $8,000 (£5,000).

Proceeds from the event will be used to buy clothes and school books for Roma children.