YouTube Takes Off Ganesha Lamb Ad In India

An Australian advertisement which features Lord Ganesha and other divinities promoting consumption of lamb meat has been removed by YouTube. The move was initiated after the advertisement released by the Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) triggered outrage among the Hindu groups.

The ad of 2.11 minutes, has been taken off but the teaser video of 31 seconds is viewed in the India domain. Indian Society of Western Australia spokesman Nitin Vashisht said the Ganesha ad was insensitive. "He is shown as ... eating lamb and looking for a new marketing strategy for himself. That is really very insensitive to the community", Vashisht said. People have also reacted angrily to the ad on social media.

The ad of 2.11 minutes, has been taken off but the teaser video of 31 seconds is viewed in the India domain

The Indian High Commission to Australia also objected to the ad and in a statement on Saturday said, "Lord Ganesha along with other religious figures is found to be 'toasting lamb', which the Indian community consider to be offensive and hurting their religious sentiments."

The Indian consulate also appealed the MLA to remove the commercial. Meanwhile, the body said the ad “was intended to promote inclusivity and not intended to offend.”