Indian Outrage as Russian Beer Cans Feature Mahatma Gandhi’s Image

A Russian beverage company has sparked controversy by featuring the image and signature of Mahatma Gandhi on beer cans. This move has drawn sharp criticism from Indian social media users, who see it as an insult to India’s Father of the Nation, who advocated for abstinence from alcohol and meat.

Reports indicate that the company, Reworts, is selling beer under the brand name Haji IPA, with cans featuring Gandhi’s likeness. Images and videos of these cans have gone viral on social media, leading to widespread condemnation.

Further reports suggest that the company has also used the names and images of other prominent global figures, including Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., and Mother Teresa, on its beer products. This has intensified the backlash against the company.

Indian social media users have expressed their outrage, questioning how a company could use the image of a leader who dedicated his life to promoting a sober and ethical way of living for commercial alcohol sales. The controversy gained further momentum after Suvarno Satpathy, the grandson of former Odisha Chief Minister Nandini Satpathy, brought the issue to the attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi via the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

The incident has fueled demands for action against the company, with many Indians calling it a grave disrespect to Gandhi’s legacy.