Despite Apology, US Ambassador Summoned Over Burnside Brewing Kali-Ma Naming

“In response to pleas from the Hindu community we have decided to postpone the limited release of “Kali-ma” our imperial wheat ale flavored with Indian spices and Scotch-Bonnet peppers. It is NEVER our intention at Burnside to offend or alienate any race, creed, religion or sexual orientation. The inspiration for the beer label simply came from a favorite childhood movie in the “Indiana Jones” series and we were unaware that it could be offensive to anyone.

We are currently scrambling to re-name the beer and intend to release it soon afterwards. To those who have been patiently waiting, we humbly ask that you wait just a little longer and to anyone we have offended we sincerely apologize. We will keep our loyal customers informed on the new release dates. Thank you for all your patience and understanding in this matter and we hope you will enjoy this ale and all the fine ales we produce here at Burnside.

Sincerely, the crew and ownership of Burnside Brewing.”

Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Ravi Shankar Prasad (BJP) said it is a serious and sensitive issue that a Portland-based company Burnside Brewing has launched a product titled Kali-Ma beer, hurting the sentiments of Indians.

"The advertisement for the beer read ‘Come worship the black one Kali as the ultimate reality or Brahman’… with a picture of the Goddess. Earlier also a picture of Goddess Laxmi was displayed in a toilet… picture of God was put on bra… Lord Ganesha was displayed as a sex object in a talk show," he said demanding India to take up the issue with US.

Prasad said the UPA government maintains that it enjoys good relations with the US but there is no advertisement code and questioned whether they could have dared to mock the God or Goddess of any other religion.

"Summon US Ambassador to India… and make him apologise for this," he said condemning the act and demanded a statement from External Affairs Minister.