Maharashtra govt lauds Sachin Tendulkar for refusing to endorse liquor brand

The Maharashtra government has appreciated master blaster Sachin Tendulkar for choosing his principles over money, by saying 'no' to endorse a liquor advertisement.

In a letter to the legendary batsman, minister of social justice department Shivajirao Moghe welcomed his decision, refusing to endorse a liquor advertisement.

"We appreciate Sachin that he is helping us indirectly in the de-addiction campaign run by the Government and also setting up an example for others," Moghe told Press Trust of India.

The minister lauded Tendulkar for turning down a whopping Rs20 crore-offer to promote a top liquor or cigarette brand.

Tendulkar, an idol to crores of youths has shown that he is a responsible citizen of the society and stuck to his principles by rejecting a huge amount, Moghe said.

"I expect that other famous personalities would also follow the foot steps of Sachin and make the society addiction-free," the minister said.

Considering that liquor addiction has destroyed many families and also trapped youths, the government is drafting a de-addiction policy.

"We want to keep away youth from liquor or cigarettes addictions and therefore drafting a policy," Moghe said.