The New York Times has apologised for an offending cartoon on India’s Mars mission.
The cartoon had showed a turban-wearing man with a cow knocking at the door of the “Elite Space Club”.
The cartoon drew widespread criticism for being racist in content with the social media expounding with comments on derogatory reference to India’s technological prowess. Many commentators opined that uncharitable tactics are being used by the western world to take down India’s stunning success with its Mars Orbital Mission.
The clarification was issued early on Monday morning on the New York Times’ Facebook page:
A large number of readers have complained about a recent editorial cartoon in The International New York Times, about India’s foray into space exploration. The intent of the cartoonist, Heng Kim Song, was to highlight how space exploration is no longer the exclusive domain of rich, Western countries.
Mr. Heng, who is based in Singapore, uses images and text – often in a provocative way – to make observations about international affairs.
“We apologize to readers who were offended by the choice of images in this cartoon. Mr. Heng was in no way trying to impugn India, its government or its citizens. We appreciate that readers have shared their feedback, which we welcome,” stated Andrew Rosenthal, Editorial Page Editor of The New York Times.
