Emine Dzheppar, Ukraines First Deputy Foreign Minister, apologised for a tweet from the Ukraine Defence Ministry that misinterpreted the Hindu deity, Kali. She remarked that the people of Ukraine appreciate and respect Indias distinct culture and respect the countrys aid. The offending tweet has already been removed.We regret @DefenceU depicting #Hindu goddess #Kali in distorted manner. #Ukraine &its people respect unique #Indian culture&highly appreciate🇮🇳support.The depiction has already been removed.🇺🇦is determined to further increase cooperation in spirit of mutual respect&💪friendship.— Emine Dzheppar (@EmineDzheppar) May 1, 2023On April 30th, the Ukraine Defence Ministry released a tweet that merged a famous photograph of American actress Marilyn Monroe with the figure of the Hindu deity Maa Kali in a scene of a bomb explosion. Ukrainian artist Maksym Palenko created the artwork titled “Work of Art.” The tweet, however, was met with severe criticism and fury from netizens, causing the Defence Ministry to remove it.Image: TwitterMany netizens reacted negatively to the tweet, calling it insulting and rude to the Hindu faith. A user remarked that the demeaning depiction of Maa Kali was surprising and that ones beliefs should not be the topic of mockery. They also demanded that the Ukraine Defence Ministry delete and apologise for the tweet.Another Twitter user condemned the remark as a flagrant demonstration of Hinduphobia and demanded that it be taken down immediately. They said that the inappropriate representation of a Hindu god could damage the feelings of Indias Hindu population. Another user was outraged, calling the message a despicable attempt to belittle their beliefs. They also criticised Ukraines Defence Ministry for publishing such illustrations.Many commented that while artistic freedom and innovative thinking are important, respecting and being sensitive to religious beliefs is also essential. Religious figures depicted in a derogatory manner can create great offence and pain among followers of that faith. As a result, it is critical to take caution and avoid partaking in such exercises.
