Connecticut brewery apologises for inclusion of alcohol 'abhoring' Mahatma Gandhi on IPA
The New England Brewing Company has issued an apology for its depiction of Mahatma Gandhi’s name and likeness on its Gandhi-Bot Indian Pale Ale.
The alcoholic beverage, which the firm claimed was “an ideal aid for self-purification and the seeking of truth and love” came under fire for its disrespectful use of the revered figure on its branding.
Tushar Gandhi, a great-grandson of the figure, told the Telegraph: “How can anyone think of using Mahatma Gandhi’s picture on a bottle of alcoholic product? All his life he abhorred alcohol drinking and spoke against it.
“No-one has consulted us or sought our permission to use his picture. We are contemplating legal action for hurting the sentiments of millions of people.”
In response the brewery issued an apology: “We do apologise if the good people of India find our Gandhi-Bot label offensive. Our intent is not to offend anyone but rather pay homage and celebrate a great man who we respect greatly”
The firm has refused to remove the drink from the market despite the legal threats from some of Gandhi’s descendants.