The last week or so has seen numerous jokes on the Govt. of Kerala's decision to put an end to the so called Alcohol abuse in Kerala. There have been numerous debates on both Malayalam and National News Channels on the pros and cons of the Ban and each side has had their own way of looking at the larger picture. While some individuals welcomed the move saying that alcohol abuse is bad and the state should not look at economical gains in curbing a social evil, some others were of the opinion that it is not good for the thriving tourism industry in the State. And then there have been those who have questioned the wisdom of a ban in order to curb a social evil.
That the State Government headed by the Chief Minister took this decision only for political reasons is a known fact. The desire to occupy the moral high ground and not lose base is what prompted the Chief Minister to score a point against his arch rivals in the Congress is no big secret.
In a state that prides itself a the most literate state in the Country, I am baffled that the Government thinks that prohibition is the answer to the problem. My problem with the ban as a Non- Keralite living in Kerala is not so much as the ban itself, it is rather with the Govt's approach in addressing the issue. If the state is really serious about tackling this issue, then, why don't they introduce measures that will curb alcohol abuse, For eg: Drinking permit cards for every citizen based on pre-set guidelines. I believe that there is a big wide line between moderate drinking and alcohol abuse.
If the state is really serious, then drug abuse is a big problem especially amongst teenagers but the Govt, and the police establishment prefer to criminalise the user instead of stopping the supply chain.
If bans are going to be the answer in solving or addressing issues, I am afraid that the Congress has just sown the seeds in giving a license to the so called guardians of Indian Culture to implement their version of a moral code of ethics which a lot of right wing thinkers associated with the ruling party at the centre seem to be advocating in some form or the other.
I would be joking if I said that I don't like my drink. But I can think for myself and if my Parents and my teachers have taught me anything, it is the confidence to make my own decision. I cannot accept the state making a decision for me. I cannot and will not accept the state taking away MY ABILITY TO THINK. And this is my problem with my Mallu friends, for most of them, even though they do not agree to the ban, prefer to remain silent and instead have already started devising ways of working around the ban. We are a educated lot and what is Freedom if it does not give a person to make his or her own lifestyle choices. Unfortunately, its soon going to be a crime to have a drink in Kerala.
And so, I cannot live in a place where I cannot spend my hard earned money and socialise the way I want to.. Anyway, its a Friday night and time for me to hit the bottle with a vengeance.
And remember.........
That the State Government headed by the Chief Minister took this decision only for political reasons is a known fact. The desire to occupy the moral high ground and not lose base is what prompted the Chief Minister to score a point against his arch rivals in the Congress is no big secret.
In a state that prides itself a the most literate state in the Country, I am baffled that the Government thinks that prohibition is the answer to the problem. My problem with the ban as a Non- Keralite living in Kerala is not so much as the ban itself, it is rather with the Govt's approach in addressing the issue. If the state is really serious about tackling this issue, then, why don't they introduce measures that will curb alcohol abuse, For eg: Drinking permit cards for every citizen based on pre-set guidelines. I believe that there is a big wide line between moderate drinking and alcohol abuse.
If the state is really serious, then drug abuse is a big problem especially amongst teenagers but the Govt, and the police establishment prefer to criminalise the user instead of stopping the supply chain.
If bans are going to be the answer in solving or addressing issues, I am afraid that the Congress has just sown the seeds in giving a license to the so called guardians of Indian Culture to implement their version of a moral code of ethics which a lot of right wing thinkers associated with the ruling party at the centre seem to be advocating in some form or the other.
I would be joking if I said that I don't like my drink. But I can think for myself and if my Parents and my teachers have taught me anything, it is the confidence to make my own decision. I cannot accept the state making a decision for me. I cannot and will not accept the state taking away MY ABILITY TO THINK. And this is my problem with my Mallu friends, for most of them, even though they do not agree to the ban, prefer to remain silent and instead have already started devising ways of working around the ban. We are a educated lot and what is Freedom if it does not give a person to make his or her own lifestyle choices. Unfortunately, its soon going to be a crime to have a drink in Kerala.
And so, I cannot live in a place where I cannot spend my hard earned money and socialise the way I want to.. Anyway, its a Friday night and time for me to hit the bottle with a vengeance.
And remember.........
In wine there is wisdom, in beer there is freedom, in water there is bacteria” - Benjamin Franklin
