Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense caused a stir among Indian netizens after tweeting a photo portraying the Indian goddess Kali morphed over a blast fume on April 30th, deeming it “Hinduphobic” and “disrespectful.”
The official Twitter account of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense posted the image showing Kali superimposed over the fumes. The picture depicted the Hindu goddess of war and destruction posing awkwardly with her tongue sticking out and having a Marilyn Monroe-like upskirt moment, with a wreath of skulls around her neck.
The image, posted with the caption “Work of art,” was created by Ukrainian artist Maksym Palenko, whose artworks won many prestigious awards, including the Shevchenko National Prize, Ukraine’s most significant honor.
The tweet garnered strong, adverse reactions from many Indian netizens, who saw the photo as blasphemous and disrespectful to Hinduism. They were angry about the “caricature-like” depiction of Kali, who was considered to be an important figure in the religion. The blast fume also resembled the goddess’s blue skin, fueling the fire.
Full support to Russia from now onwards
— The Random Indian (@randomsena) May 2, 2023
“This is why you guys are not getting any support from India. And getting your ass kicked,” an Indian Twitter user named Mohan Sinha replied to the Tweet, referring to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and India not condemning their “special military operation.”
"Absolutely disgraceful behavior from @DefenceU (Defense of Ukraine) with their distasteful depiction mocking Maa Kali. India has given aid to Ukraine, and this is how they repay them. Hindus demand an apology NOW,” another Indian Twitter user said, referring to India sending humanitarian aid to Ukraine during the war.
Among those who criticized the Tweet was Kanchan Gupta, a senior adviser for India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
"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. @UkrembInd," Gupta said on Twitter.
He also said Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense mocked the “Goddess Kali in a manner no foreign government or country has ever done” and described their actions as "brazen hate speech.”
Too late, I totally will not support Ukraine! Official defence handles, deliberately showing their hatred for Hindus, and the account was not even suspended!!! Ukraine showed their true face!
— JIX5A (@JIX5A) May 2, 2023
Many Indian netizens also tagged India’s foreign minister, S. Jaishankar, and Twitter CEO Elon Musk, urging them to take action against the Tweet.
Because of the enormous backlash they faced over the Tweet, the official Twitter account of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense immediately deleted it only minutes after posting it.
This happens when a comedian runs the country.
— Rising Liberal (@rising_liberal) May 2, 2023
Ukraine’s defense minister Emine Dzhaparova, who visited India last April 9th, apologized for the ministry’s actions via Twitter.
"We regret @DefenceU depicting Hindu goddess Kali in a distorted manner. Ukraine & its people respect unique Indian culture & highly appreciate [India's] support. The depiction has already been removed. [Ukraine] is determined to further increase cooperation in spirit of mutual respect & friendship," Dzhaparova said in a Tweet.
— jai2039 (@jai02i3) May 2, 2023
Since Russia invaded Ukraine last February 2022, India’s prime minister, Narendra Modi, has spoken several times with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Despite a lack of condemnation, India has said the conflict must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.
