Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Minister’s appeal

In the article “If the Health Minister can’t do this, who can?” (May 11) Anbumani Ramadoss has argued well why scenes of smoking and drinking in films should be banned. Such scenes are chiefly responsible for influencing young minds. It is in our interest to ban them from appearing in movies and television serials.

S. Nallasivan,

Tirunelveli

As one who has seen someone dear destroying himself by drinking alcohol and as a victim of passive smoking myself, I will remain ever grateful to Dr. Ramadoss if he succeeds in eradicating the two evils.

Baikadi Suryanarayana Rao,

Bangalore

Dr. Ramadoss deserves our wholehearted praise for his undaunted campaign against alcohol, tobacco and junk food in spite of the unfair criticism heaped on him by industrial lobbies. Women and children are the worst affected, directly and indirectly, by the three evils. Youngsters are increasingly taking to smoking and junk food, tempted by advertisements and lifestyles of their favourite heroes.

R. Ponnarassi,

Vellore

As a doctor and Health Minister, Dr. Ramadoss has every right to voice his views against smoking and drinking on small and big screen. While film stars have opposed him, he has got no support from his colleagues either, which has forced him to wage a lone battle. Besides scenes of smoking and drinking, Dr. Ramadoss should also campaign against scenes portraying lynching on the streets, in which heroes take a more active part than villains.

T.S. Gopalakrishnan,

Chennai

That Dr. Ramadoss’ campaign against smoking, alcohol and junk food is ridiculed by many celebrities is hardly surprising. If our reel-life heroes are forced to shed their stereotype image on screen, they will not be able to act in ‘creative’ scenes such as a man in a drunken state nursing his injuries by putting a bandage on the mirror. Given such potential for creativity in our movies, it is no wonder we are always drubbed at the Oscars. What is needed is political will as in the case of the law banning advertisements of infant foods.

C.K. Ramesh Kumar,

Adoni

The Minister cannot bring about the desired changes with respect to smoking and drinking by sermonising. If he is serious, he should introduce laws prohibiting drinking and smoking or, at least, make an effort towards that end.

T.S. Krishnamoorthy,

Coimbatore

Tobacco, right from its cultivation stage, is a source of livelihood for many. We should evolve a plan for the vast population that is dependent on tobacco and its products for a living before banning its cultivation and sale.

N. Dharmeshwaran,

Chennai

There is no question about the evil effects of liquor and cigarettes. But how many governments are prepared to enforce prohibition foregoing revenue? Actors may stop drinking in movies but will the governments close shop?

S. Rajagopalan,

Chennai

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