Gujarat invokes Mahatma Gandhi for sober New Year eve celebrations

The Gujarat government has used 13 quotes of the Father of the Nation on prohibition on billboards across Ahmedabad to discourage alcoholism ahead of New Year revelries.

“Daaru ne hun chori karta pan vadhare vakhodi kadhva layak ganu chu (I despise alcohol more than theft),” screams a hoarding carrying a picture of a young Mahatma Gandhi outside a shopping mall in one of Ahmedabad’s plush localities.

The Gujarat government is urging its people to avoid alcohol during the New Year celebrations by putting up quotes on prohibition by Mahatma Gandhi. (PTI File Photo)

Just 100 metres away, another hoarding with an aged Gandhi reads, “One should not hesitate to implement prohibition at any cost.”

These are two of the 13 quotes of the Father of the Nation on prohibition that the Gujarat government has used in black and white billboards across the city to discourage alcoholism ahead of New Year revelries. The move comes a fortnight after passing a harsher prohibition law that entails up to 10 years in jail for just carrying liquor and other penalties and fine on offenders, including cops who fail to implement the law properly.

“Hopefully, people will follow the Mahatma’s advice,” said minister of state for home, Pradeepsinh Jadeja, unveiling special awareness materials with quotes of Gandhi this week.

DGP PP Pandey made it clear that the law would treat everyone equally. According to Ahmedabad police, since December 15, on an average four bootleggers are arrested daily under the provisions of Prevention of Anti-Social Act, which is invoked for repeat offenders.

To ensure a dry New Year, Ahmedabad police will set up 100 check points on December 31 at all entry points and highway stretches housing farmhouses and party venues.