Protests in India and the US prompted the move.
By Raif Karerat
WASHINGTON, DC: After weeks of public objections by the Indian-American community and outrage in India, New England Brewing Company has agreed to change the name of its best-selling craft beer, “Gandhi-Bot.”
As reported by the American Bazaar, the Connecticut brewery had previously apologized for displaying Mahatma Gandhi’s image on the packaging of its most popular product, but no indication was given as to whether the beer’s moniker would be rehashed.
In response to the continuing controversy, New England Brewing Company met with Connecticut State Representative Prasad Srinivasan last week.
“They’ve given us a timeline of two to three months by which time everything will be complete, he told NBC News after the negotiations.”They’ve already apologized and now they will change the name. That sounds reasonable to me.”
On January 22, the New England Brewing Company issued its own statement regarding the meeting: “After careful consideration we feel that renaming Gandhi-Bot is the right move (the beer will remain the same). We have begun the process of renaming and re-branding this beer which may take up to three months. Taking these steps will allow us to express our support for the Indian-American community while also limiting any economic losses.”
The meeting with Srinivasan, which the lawmaker described as “congenial,” comes after nearly a month’s worth of talks with Indian American temple and community leaders, business owners, and lawmakers.
“I am very glad that New England Brewing Co. heard the concerns of the Indian-American community,” said Srinivasan. “Our sensitivity on this important issue has been addressed and I am looking forward to the early release of their renamed and re-branded product.”
Gandhi, who was considered both a national and spiritual leader, espoused temperance and adamantly spoke out against the influence of alcohol on the Indian people.