An interesting incident was reported from Jharkhand recently. A bride rejected the groom who had arrived for the marriage drunk. Maybe a one-off incident, but the issue of prohibition is catching the imagination of powers that be. Politicians either quietly acquiesce to the idea or are openly supporting it. But no one is openly speaking against prohibition.
In fact, in the State, a newspaper reported that more than 90 per cent of the MlAs supported prohibition. Bihar has already done it, and for Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, the idea seems to be a clincher. Though there is no evidence to support that Nitish won because he promised prohibition. Yet, the strong liquor lobby, with both guns and goons, could not play spoilsport.
The initial arguments of losing considerable State revenue also did not find favour among the electorate. Even Jharkhand finds in Nitish a champion of prohibition. In Tamil Nadu also there is a clamour for prohibition and the present Chief Minister is apparently favouring the idea. That Nitish wants to make it a nationwide campaign may be open to debate. But it is after a long time that someone has so assertively batted for prohibition.
Gujarat went for total prohibition and it still continues. Bihar seems to be the next big State to do so, though Nagaland, and to some extent Manipur and Union Territory of lakshadweep also have imposed prohibition. Kerala, too, is doing it in a phased manner. There have been sporadic efforts in other States in the past but making it an all-India campaign needs to be seen in a broader perspective.
It is assumed that most women would support the step of prohibition by any Government or political party. Will it win votes or not is still to be tested, but that it finds favour with half of the electorate makes it a prudent strategy. This one issue may represent the class interest of women who bear the brunt of alcoholism.
In families of lower socio economic strata, alcoholism is a big menace causing hardships to the family, bringing complete ruin in some cases. This apart, crime and alcohol have some correlation though we need studies to prove this. Even if it is not established statistically, one thing is certain, many heinous crimes are committed in inebriated condition. Alcohol leads to shedding of inhibitions and thus arouse bestial emotions.
The young generation is fast falling prey to alcoholism as for them it is both adventure and enjoyment. Young boys and girls who have not acquired adulthood take to alcohol, seeking a false sense of adulthood. Alcohol also is the main culprit in road rage and road accident cases. It impairs judgements and leads to definite fall in both quality and quantity of production.
Health and alcohol are also directly related; alcohol abuse being a big reason for many health disorders. From cirrhosis to delirium tremens, alcohol has a clear role. In India, where poverty and health are major concerns, prohibition may be a good idea. More so, because discipline, that is so very important in alcohol consumption, is an attribute we are found wanting in.
A Japanese proverb suggests: “First a man takes the drink; then the drink takes the drink; then the drink takes the man’’. Given our penchant for jumping stages, for most people it’s the drink that takes the man. Naturally, it is dangerous to drink.
The writer is a professor of management and public speaker. He can be reached at ppathak.ism@gmail.com