The Mahatma Gandhi National Foundation (MGNF) of Kerala recently raised a protest against the display of Mahatma Gandhi’s images on beer bottles manufactured by a Russian brewery company. They have made a formal complaint to Russian President Vladimir Putin that Gandhi’s name, photograph, and signature should be removed from such beer bottles that have resulted in widespread outrage among the Indian public.
The Controversy Unfolds
Rewort Brewery of Russia has come under fire for placing Gandhi’s images on beer bottles. The move has been universally denounced, particularly by Indian communities and organisations, who, in turn, find it a huge disrespect to the legacy of Gandhi.
NGO’s Appeal For Removal Of Gandhi’s Image On Beer Bottles
Eby J. Jose, the president of the MGNF, addressed letters to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ambassador Denis Alipov. In the letters, Jose underlined that Gandhi, a staunch anti-alcohol activist, would be greatly offended by such an association. In addition, he noted that Indian law prohibits the misuse of Gandhi’s name and image under the National Honour Act of 1971 and the Names and Emblems Act of 1950. Jose thus urged the Russian authorities to move with speed and withdraw the beer bottles bearing Gandhi’s image, given the Indians’ strong emotions across the globe.
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Historical Precedents
This is not an isolated incident. In 2019, an Israeli brewery was condemned for a similar offence. Malka Beer launched a limited edition with Gandhi’s image on beer bottles to mark Israel’s 71st Independence Day. The action created diplomatic woes, prompting the company to issue a public apology and suspend the distribution of the offensive bottles.
Current Status
Rewort Brewery has acknowledged the backlash and is taking action to remove Gandhi’s images on beer bottles. Official confirmation from the authorities is still pending. Meanwhile, the MGNF and the concerned parties are closely following the situation, calling for respect for cultural symbols and personalities.
What’s your opinion on this insensitive branding of the beer bottles? Do let us know in the comment section.
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Cover Image Courtesy: @suparnosatpathy/X
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