From Prohibition to unfettered freedom of the spirit

The decision taken by Kerala to move towards total Prohibition in the state in 10 years is very welcome. Though there is the argument that the liquor industry provides livelihood to a lot of people and generates substantial revenue for the government, the damage it causes to society is appalling. With per capita alcohol consumption in Kerala among the highest in the country, over 60% crimes (including murders, suicides and rapes), 40% road accidents and 80% divorces in the state are due to alcohol. Nobody can deny that alcohol addiction destroys the individual completely, breaks families and tears apart the fabric of society.

However, just passing a law does not make social ills go away. Lawmaking and social reform need to go hand in hand. Unlike laws, social reforms cannot be forced on people but at the same time you need strict laws to keep order. What would be ideal is a combination of strict laws and a softer approach to galvanise public opinion and educate people on the ill effects of alcohol.

For those who do not depend on the liquor industry for livelihood, the reason for objection is that it infringes on their right to choose. It may seem like a breach of individual freedom at first, but looking at the larger picture it provides greater freedom and security to everybody in society because every drunk person is a potential criminal, whether in the house or driving on the road. Personal liberty for some causes a life-threatening situation for many. 

Pleasure is of three kinds. The first two are Sattvic, which gives discomfort in the beginning but leads to joy later and Rajasic, which gives joy in the short-term but later leads to pain. But addiction is among the lowliest of pleasures (Tamasic) that only give grief from beginning to end. People themselves do not realise the ghastly blunders they commit under the influence of alcohol. When they come to their senses later, they are filled with regret and guilt. Atrocities on women are being highlighted by the media for a couple of years now but such stories have been quite common among villages and slums.

Mahatma Gandhi was all for Prohibition but unfortunately, hardly any government at the Centre or state level put his views into practice, except for his home state Gujarat. In the few instances where Prohibition was adopted in other states, it was later repealed due to political and ulterior reasons. The liquor lobby is quite influential and many political leaders distribute large amounts of liquor during elections. Intoxication takes away one’s discrimination and then it becomes easy for politicians to control and manipulate people. Policy making needs to be free from narrow, selfish motives and should be done with a view towards the larger interests of people’s welfare. The Chief Minister of Kerala has rightly pointed out that the loss of revenue due to prohibition will be more than compensated indirectly by the reduction in alcohol-related incidents of crimes, rapes and accidents. A secure social atmosphere will also benefit tourism in the long term.

Life wants to flow in a direction where it can flourish. While one spirit drains you of energy and finances, the other Spirit that comes from service and sadhana will uplift you and enrich you physically, emotionally and energetically. Choose wisely.

The author is a spiritual teacher. Website: www.artofliving.org