What do people think about the sarcastic cartoon published by The New York Times about the ISRO Mars Mission? Isn't it disrespectful to all Indians?

As an Indian, it pains my heart. Not because we have any grudges against Western media, but because of their narrow and biased perception of India.

My country has been the victim of systematic ridicule and propaganda in both international and national media circles.

However, in any case, let's see what all India has done for itself and the world:

• Risen out of oppression and slavery at the hands of the British Empire to build a free country based on democratic values. India is the largest democracy. It is not perfect, and a lot of work is to be done, but we're proud of it.
• India started its space programme by transporting the first rocket on a bicycle, and satellite on a bullock cart. Humble origins, and look where we are today. Here’s A Look At ISRO’s Evolution Over The Years & Its Major Achievements
• India became the first country to successfully send a satellite to Mars in its first attempt. The Mangalyaan mission will always be an integral cog of Indian space legacy, and shall inspire us to do more in this field. ISRO's Mangalyaan creates history: India becomes first country to enter Mars orbit in maiden attempt. Of course, it was a baby step, but a significant one, in India’s future space dreams.
• India’s position somehow brings rivals/enemies together. Small step, but a deep meaning. Israel's Ben Gurion U & UAE's American University will launch nanosatellites on the same rocket
• India began the International Solar Alliance. An attempt to show its commitment towards use of renewable sources of energy and environmental protection mechanisms. India's Place in the Sun: The International Solar Alliance
• India built its own nuclear & missile programmes from scratch. We braved sanctions from the US for years, but we did it. Pokhran II fallout: US sanctions against India unlikely to work
• India is one of the largest contributors to the UNPKF. Be it Congo, Sierra Leone, Lebanon or anywhere else. India has always shown it's commitment to global peace and stability. India honoured for significant contribution to UN peacekeeping
• India has helped in rebuilding Afghanistan and in forging good people-to-people ties. No surprise at all, given that PM Modi was given a hero's welcome at the Afghan parliament. Pentagon Praises India in Afghanistan
• India rescued citizens of many countries, from war-torn Yemen. Even the citizens of the West, whose media is biased against us, and who spend much more money than we do on militaries. India leads rescue of foreign nationals, including Americans, trapped in Yemen
• India is a key player in the war against terrorism. As a major target of state sponsored terrorism, it only makes sense that we do so. India’s War on Terrorism and International Cooperation

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But nooooooooo….

All the Western media sees is:

• India has a large population and huge poverty. We know it, and are working towards it. Don't need to remind it by shoving it down our throats all the time.
• India is only a land of farmers and bullocks. As is evident from the cartoon shown above.
• India has people who blindly believe in religion and superstition. I don’t happen to remember any Indians burning people at the stake for challenging the authority of the Catholic church. We have come a long way, and a long way is still left to tread, and we’re trying our best.
• India is just a land of snake charmers. That's literally the most stupid thing I've ever heard about my country.

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So this is basically an entire dedicated social media and print media campaign attempted to vilify, denigrate and insult my country, for the steps it is attempting to take forward into the future.

Nowhere have I seen such arrogance by those who think that they alone hold the monopoly of being judge, jury and executioner in every matter. Reminds me of the contempt and racism shown by the British in the colonial days.

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So, just to put things in perspective, it'd be better if the West, particularly the New York Times, focuses on its own country's shortcomings before passing judgements on others. NYT Has A History Of Mocking India. This Time TOI Had The Perfect Response To Their Nasty Cartoon