'Drink safe', youth to be told in dry Gujarat

Sudhakar Rao / TNN / Dec 21, 2006, 14:58 IST

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This New Year's eve, if you find a person suddenly walking up to you as you enjoy a drink on the sly at a party, don't scoot.

'Drink safe', youth to be told in dry Gujarat

VADODARA: This New Year's eve, if you find a person suddenly walking up to you as you enjoy a drink on the sly at a party, don't scoot.
He isn't here to put you behind bars. He is the friendly NGO man requesting you to drink in moderation. And he may even hand out a pamphlet that says — "Don't get too drunk. Enjoy the party".
Sounds surprising in "dry" Gujarat? That is exactly what two city-based NGOs will do on December 31 night — go from one party to another with banners that ask "How much is too much?" and "Alcohol is not harmful if you don't harm others" and distribute pamphlets that talk about "keeping within limits".
This is a part of the campaign that NGOs Faith and Kripa Foundation will conduct to "create awareness about the difference between use and abuse of alcohol".

While banners will be put up at parties, pamphlets will list liquor brands and the exact quantity that could be taken without putting one's health in jeopardy.
"We will not preach anti-alcoholism. We would let people drink but they should know how much to take," says Anant Christian of Kripa Foundation.
"Many can't hold their drink. We would ask them to drink in moderation," he adds. Banners and pamphlets will also warn against drunken driving.

The NGOs have identified 15 hotels where this campaign will be held and will also rope in schoolchildren who will be present at various party plots with placards in hand.
The campaign assumes significance as all NGOs, including the two, have been, till now, propagating abstinence in their campaigns.
This would be a first-of-its kind experiment by any NGO in the state where youngsters will be asked not to stop drinking but do it in moderation.

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