Evils of Drinking

Influence of liquor

It is a fact that man is capable of doing even the most heinous crimes under the influence of liquor. Such reports appear frequently in the newspapers.

Unfortunately, nobody seems to be serious about this evil. Only the women and children who have to suffer in-home at the hands of their boozy husbands or fathers are serious and there seems to be none to listen to their wailings. Consequently, they have to suffer in silence and lead a depressed, depraved, sub-human life.

In India and foreign countries

The malady of alcoholism is there not only in India but also in foreign countries. But, in developed countries, people are awakened enough to drink wine only within prescribed limits. Sometimes, we find aberrations even in great foreign lands. For instance, sometimes back, the minor daughter of the then President of America was caught trying to procure a bottle of alcohol when according to American law, one below eighteen could not do so. Accordingly, she was punished and had to serve in the restaurant concerned as a waiter for the time prescribed as per law.

That was America. In India, we find people guzzling liters of alcohol in public and abusing one and all or lying in drains or on heaps of garbage. In India, such people often go scot-free.

Efforts for prohibition

Of course, a number of times efforts have been made by enlightened leaders to enforce prohibition. Morarji Desai, the renowned Gandhian who later became the Prime Minister of India, tried to enforce the laws of prohibition strictly in Gujarat when he was the Chief Minister of that State. But, his efforts failed. Similarly, in Haryana Bansi Lal’s efforts ended in a fiasco.

It is clear that prohibition cannot be applied by the use of state force. If any effort is made in this direction, the alcohol addicts start manufacturing clandestinely substandard alcohol which not only ruins their health but also becomes the cause of their death. We frequently learn about the deaths caused by the consumption of such toxic hooch in different parts of the country.

Alcohol scenes in films and T.V. serials, ads, and parties

The scenes shown in certain films and T.V. serials and advertisements given by wine companies should be banned. On the other hand, the media should show greater responsibility and co-operation regarding this vital point and come out with articles and views of enlightened people to discourage the common people from consuming alcohol.

The use of alcohol in all functions like marriages, parties, etc., should be banned. The government should close wine shops that exist just for providing revenue to the state exchequer. Some alternative means of earning revenue for the state treasury should be explored.

Medical scientists’ views

In schools and colleges, children and youths should be inculcated with the spirit of prohibition, as the demerits of alcohol should be brought home to them. They should be told that alcohol consumption not only becomes the cause of loss of wealth but also health and that it is a public nuisance. Frequent Anti-Alcoholism Days and functions and seminars should be held,

Medical scientists point out that the consumption of alcohol in small quantities is useful for our heart and general well-being. This fact should be brought home to all concerned so that nobody should consume alcohol in excess.

Co-operation between the people, the government, and the media

Finally, one can say that it is only the awakening among the common people which that can deliver the goods in this regard. This awaking that can deliver the goods in this regard can be brought about by the combined efforts of the government, the people, and the media.