Ukraine gets backlash for mocking Goddess Kali in a meme

Kyiv: Ukraine's Ministry of Defence is receiving backlash for a meme mocking Goddess Kali. The poster was shared by the ministry with the caption 'a work of art'.

In the poster, the Goddess is positioned with a plume of smoke seen above the clouds after a bomb blast. "I am absolutely appalled to see the Ukrainian defence handle mocking Maa Kali, a revered Hindu goddess. This is a gross display of insensitivity and ignorance. I urge them to take down the offensive content and issue an apology. Respect for all religions and beliefs is paramount," wrote one user.

The poster comes days after Ukraine's Deputy Foreign Minister Emine Dzhaparova visited India, the first high-profile visit since the war began in Ukraine.

Kanchan Gupta, senior advisor to the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, said the poster is an assault on Hindu sentiments around the world. He also criticised Kyiv's recurrent call for help and support from India while the eastern European nation worked against India on several occasions.

He tweeted: "Recently #Ukraine Dy Foreign Minister was in Delhi soliciting support from #India. Behind that fakery lurks the real face of Ukraine Govt. Indian goddess Ma Kali has been caricatured on a propaganda poster. This is an assault on Hindu sentiments around the world."

"This is what I had tweeted on 25 Feb 2022. Ukraine’s anti-#India stance at UN remains unchanged. Ukraine continues with military deals with Pakistan. #Ukraine has now mocked Goddess Kali in a manner no foreign Govt/country has ever done. This is brazen hate speech," he added.

The official also retweeted his post from February 2022. "You take consistent anti-India position at UN. You vote for UNSC sanctions against India after 1998 nuclear tests. You push for UN intervention on Kashmir after abrogation of Article 370. You sell military equipment to Pakistan to use against India. Yet you want India’s help."