Posted:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tv/Think-before-you-drink-Satyamev-Jayate/articleshow/14593444.cms
Nothing is more precious than life itself. But how many people understand that? How often have we consumed alcohol casually and chosen to drive after that? Are we responsible when we drink?
This is why the 11th episode of Satyamev Jayate was much needed. Aamir Khan chose to introduce the theme of alcoholism on his show to highlight the ills and effects of it. Alcohol consumed irresponsibly affects not only those who consume, but also innocent people who become victim to it. Vijay Simha, who works at a senior post with Tehelka, narrated his journey into the world of despair and madness driven by a sheer addiction to alcohol. Vijay's story was heart wrenching as he cut off from his family and most people, lost his job and finally made it to the streets of Delhi for a period of 9 months.
Similar was the story of Laxman who abused his body with alcohol for forty years, to an extent where he spent Rs 40 lacks: half on medical treatment for his liver and half on alcohol consumption. But it was Alcoholics Anonymous which saved both Vijay and Laxman. An organization that keeps the identity of people anonymous, it also helps rides them off the addiction through therapy and classes. Both Vijay and Laxman have been free of alcohol for more than 10 years.
Next up on the show was Dr Ashish Deshpande, a psychiatrist from Mumbai who clarified that alcoholism is a disease, caused by a problem in the genes. The alcoholic receptors in our body increase every time we drink alcohol. But we also need to treat the disease and cannot afford to be careless and leave it to blaming. Famous lyricist Javed Akhtar also made his appearance as a guest on the show. Akhtar himself had been a victim to alcohol for 27 years and he blatantly confessed that all the mistakes he made were under its influence. He discouraged youngsters from drinking alcohol simply because it looks glamorous. Further adding that people can be seen in only three ways when they consume alcohol: hateful, donkeys or as both.
Sumir Anand from New Delhi broke down on the show while narrating the tragic incident of his 15 year old son, Curran Anand. Curran along with two of his friends died in a terrible car accident because the person driving them was seeking revenge from a friend and chose to speed off with the other three boys in the car. Under the heavy influence of alcohol, he killed all three but remained untouched by injury himself. And shockingly, he was out on bail the very next day!
Mr Anand raised a question on the drinking laws of the country. In most cases involving car accidents, 98% of the accused are set free and don't go to jail. Vivek Benegal from NIMHANS revealed that 1 out of every 20 persons in the country is an alcoholic. Also, every second person in the country indulges in hazardous drinking. That adds up to a total of 50% of our population. Quite scary!
So how much is too much? Dr Benegal shared that upto 2 pegs (30ml each) is normal for consumption. And not more than four pegs of alcohol should be consumed. But Indians consume anywhere between 5-6 pegs. A research done by WHO ( World Health Organization) showed that amongst the many countries where research was conducted, in India alone, (Bangalore) 25% of patients who visited hospitals had injured themselves because of alcohol and 35% of patients had been injured by drunk people.
Aamir's team also interviewed doctors from across the country who revealed that in India cases of road accidents were very high (especially the state of Goa). So how can we put a stop to it? In many states across the nation, through the intervention of the panchayat, alcohol shops can be banned and this is legally authorized by the government of India. Changal village in Punjab sets an example for all to follow by self imposing the prohibition of alcohol in that village.
Also Aamir's question to the country was an important one. Should the law against drunken driving be made more stringent and should stronger action be taken against those who drink and drive? Says Aamir on the show "Alcohol is like fire. It all depends on how you treat it. Does alcohol control you or do you control it?" A pat on the shoulder to Aamir and his team.
As conscientious citizens, we need to answer these questions. Because life is the most precious treasure. And no one has the right to misuse or abuse it.
Similar was the story of Laxman who abused his body with alcohol for forty years, to an extent where he spent Rs 40 lacks: half on medical treatment for his liver and half on alcohol consumption. But it was Alcoholics Anonymous which saved both Vijay and Laxman. An organization that keeps the identity of people anonymous, it also helps rides them off the addiction through therapy and classes. Both Vijay and Laxman have been free of alcohol for more than 10 years.
Next up on the show was Dr Ashish Deshpande, a psychiatrist from Mumbai who clarified that alcoholism is a disease, caused by a problem in the genes. The alcoholic receptors in our body increase every time we drink alcohol. But we also need to treat the disease and cannot afford to be careless and leave it to blaming. Famous lyricist Javed Akhtar also made his appearance as a guest on the show. Akhtar himself had been a victim to alcohol for 27 years and he blatantly confessed that all the mistakes he made were under its influence. He discouraged youngsters from drinking alcohol simply because it looks glamorous. Further adding that people can be seen in only three ways when they consume alcohol: hateful, donkeys or as both.
Sumir Anand from New Delhi broke down on the show while narrating the tragic incident of his 15 year old son, Curran Anand. Curran along with two of his friends died in a terrible car accident because the person driving them was seeking revenge from a friend and chose to speed off with the other three boys in the car. Under the heavy influence of alcohol, he killed all three but remained untouched by injury himself. And shockingly, he was out on bail the very next day!
Mr Anand raised a question on the drinking laws of the country. In most cases involving car accidents, 98% of the accused are set free and don't go to jail. Vivek Benegal from NIMHANS revealed that 1 out of every 20 persons in the country is an alcoholic. Also, every second person in the country indulges in hazardous drinking. That adds up to a total of 50% of our population. Quite scary!
So how much is too much? Dr Benegal shared that upto 2 pegs (30ml each) is normal for consumption. And not more than four pegs of alcohol should be consumed. But Indians consume anywhere between 5-6 pegs. A research done by WHO ( World Health Organization) showed that amongst the many countries where research was conducted, in India alone, (Bangalore) 25% of patients who visited hospitals had injured themselves because of alcohol and 35% of patients had been injured by drunk people.
Aamir's team also interviewed doctors from across the country who revealed that in India cases of road accidents were very high (especially the state of Goa). So how can we put a stop to it? In many states across the nation, through the intervention of the panchayat, alcohol shops can be banned and this is legally authorized by the government of India. Changal village in Punjab sets an example for all to follow by self imposing the prohibition of alcohol in that village.
Also Aamir's question to the country was an important one. Should the law against drunken driving be made more stringent and should stronger action be taken against those who drink and drive? Says Aamir on the show "Alcohol is like fire. It all depends on how you treat it. Does alcohol control you or do you control it?" A pat on the shoulder to Aamir and his team.
As conscientious citizens, we need to answer these questions. Because life is the most precious treasure. And no one has the right to misuse or abuse it.
Cricket
