Kerala on the Brink: Liquor and Drug Glorification Sparks Controversy
A Brewing Storm in God’s Own Country
The serene backwaters and lush green landscapes of Kerala, often referred to as “God’s Own Country,” are now overshadowed by rising concerns over the prevalent liquor flow and the glorification of drugs in local cinema. A warning has come from none other than the Catholicos, who has shed light on what he terms an “explosive situation.”
Catholicos Sounds the Alarm
Addressing the rising tide of substance abuse, the Catholicos emphasized the urgent need for drastic measures. In a passionate appeal, he declared, “Our society stands at a crossroads. We must choose between allowing vice to drive our youth or safeguarding our future by instilling values and discipline.” His call is a resonant reminder of the deep-rooted cultural ethos that remains integral to Kerala’s identity.
The Role of Cinema in Social Dynamics
Kerala, known for its progressive stance on many social issues, finds itself grappling with the influence of media on public behavior. Films have always been an expressive art form in Kerala, yet the Catholicos has criticized a growing trend where some films glamorize drug use. He passionately argued that the impact of such portrayals could potentially derail the moral compass of the young population.
Censorship or Creative Freedom?
This brings forth a simmering debate: Should creative freedom in cinema be restrained to protect societal values? While some advocate for stricter censorship, others argue that art should reflect reality, no matter how harsh it may be. The Catholicos, however, remains steadfast in his belief, asserting, “To glamorize what can destroy is not art; it’s a socially irresponsible act.”
Consequences and the Way Forward
The liquor and drug challenges extend beyond social circles, affecting families and communal harmony. As the people of Kerala look towards their leaders for guidance, policies addressing these issues are being closely scrutinized. According to Mathrubhumi English, local governments have begun deliberations on potential reforms to curb alcohol abuse and regulate the depiction of drug use in movies.
A Battle for Kerala’s Future
The road ahead is fraught with challenges. It calls for a united stand from citizens, religious leaders, and policymakers to ensure that Kerala’s future generations do not find themselves ensnared by the same vices the Catholicos warns against. As he poignantly observed, “Turning blind eyes to these urgent issues is no longer an option.”
The Catholicos’s remarks serve as both a caution and a call to action—a plea to preserve the rich cultural heritage and to nurture a society where the rivers of Kerala flow with prosperity, not with the despair of substance abuse.
