It could be mistaken for a village of hardcore cinema lovers who love him for his punchy dialogues and thrilling stunts and believe he is the ultimate police hero. But Gonchiyur in Attappady is called ‘Suresh Gopi village’ for another reason.
The actor inspired the residents of a tribal settlement in the village to say goodbye to illicit liquor and send their children to school.
Once known as the hub of illicit brewers in Attappady, where an unofficial prohibition is in force, Gonchiyur had many tribesmen who were hired by mafias to brew hooch in the nearby forests. Their children worked as carriers of liquor to nearby bazaars and towns for a pittance. The school dropout rate was very high.
It was during a visit to the nearby Government High School at Sholayur two years ago that Mr. Gopi found time to visit the settlement and make the residents aware of the ill effects of liquor on their health and well-being. Since then, the number of illicit brewers has started falling and the dropout rate has come down considerably. The village has also started to be known after the actor.
“The superstar promised many things, including higher education for bright students at his own expense. He also promised periodic visits to the settlement. Though he has not been able to visit the village again, the inspiration he gave the villagers is lasting,” says P. Hariss, a teacher at the Sholayur school. “The promised help is yet to arrive. But the people have taken his words in faith and the village is slowly moving out of the clutches of illicit liquor,” he says.
“We all are waiting for his return. Suresh Gopi has helped change our perspective on life for the better,” says Deepika, a ninth standard student from the settlement.
“It was not a gain out of any material help. Simple words from an actor have made the children here agents of change,” says Sunitha Swaminathan, a public health activist.
