PHOTO: NEW ENGLAND BREWING COMPANY
New England Brewing Company of Connecticut had been marketing its India pale ale under the name “Gandhi-Bot,” with a label and cartoon image depicting a robot version of Gandhi. Gandhi is widely revered for leading India to independence from Britain through non-violent resistance.
"After careful consideration we feel that renaming Gandhi-Bot is the right move (the beer will remain the same)," the brewing company said in a statement. "Taking these steps will allow us to express our support for the Indian-American community while also limiting any economic losses."
The company said it made the decision to rebrand the beer following meetings with Indian-American business owners, temple leaders and state officials, including Glastonbury State Representative Prasad Srinivasan.
The company had apologised earlier this month after complaints the beer label was offensive.
Srinivasan said he was glad that brewer was rebranding the ale.
"Our sensitivity on this important issue has been addressed and I am looking forward to the early release of their renamed and re-branded product,” he said.
COMMENTS (8)
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@Azi: "And what about freedom of speech for the publisher?? This freedom is a two way road just so your know."
Good question. Ask fellow Muslims.
"We say the forceful conversion of minorities in India that goes against all freedom mantras."
There has not been a single case of forceful conversion of minorities in India. Yes, there have been bribes. But no forceful conversion. Get your facts straight.
"You can see a lot of the violence and slaughter you talk about if these converters are armed. I do remember the recent burning of Muslims alive by Hindu extremists because if religion, but I guess that concept is not violence to Indians."
Lies will get you nowhere. Hindus burned down Muslims as a retaliation, a revenge for killing a Hindu boy. It was not done in the name of religion.
Google and read more news. Stop listening to Pakistanis anchors. They're incompetent and stupid.
"You hypocrites are not amusing at all."
Hypocrisy in always meant to be amusing. If these people are not amusing, then they're not hypocrites. They're telling the truth.
Freedom of speech is an individual's right. Even if the company don't remove Gandhi's name and his picture, I am sure no Indian is gonna kill the CEO or employee of that company. They will definately pursue matter through court, boycott, protest (democratic means) and not killing. Killing doesn't solve the purpose for now or in future, Purpose is to make them remove Gandhi's name or his picture and that's only possible if you can make the person expressing free speech feel about your sentiments but even if you fail, violence is not the answer. Just move on.
Muslims can learn from this incident. Love, tolerance will change heart of opponent and not killing or Jihad. One respects you by your action and not what you preach.
Well, many my reader friends will not like it but it is power of India now. And also in a proper way.
@Achaa Banda:
"Where is freedom of Speech"
Good question, naturally. After all, the microbrewery could have easily refused the non beer drinking Indians and could have stood its ground and could have easily won in courts.
But ask a relevant question: why did the brewery accepted the Indian community request, which is not his customer base?
Because there is more to Gandhi than the beer labeling in that brewery owners opinion. Similarly, had there been not Islamic Jihadis spewing hatred over the world, there would not have been Cartoons. Peace.
I liked Robo Gandhi and will collect the can.
@woody:
And what about freedom of speech for the publisher?? This freedom is a two way road just so your know.
P.S.
We say the forceful conversion of minorities in India that goes against all freedom mantras. You can see a lot of the violence and slaughter you talk about if these converters are armed. I do remember the recent burning of Muslims alive by Hindu extremists because if religion, but I guess that concept is not violence to Indians.
You hypocrites are not amusing at all.
@Achaa Banda:
People complaining about the brand/label is exactly what free speech is all about. No rioting, no slaughter, no threats.
Where is freedom of speech now...... why change the name just to please indians