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Minister’s appeal

The appeal by Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss to film stars and other celebrities not to glamorise smoking and drinking and to educate the youth on the ill-effects of junk food (May 11) is commendable. He has rightly warned the younger generation about the deleterious effects of these potential killers.

It is unfortunate that Dr. Ramadoss has been criticised by film stars and business lobbies for his crusade against tobacco and alcohol. Reel-life heroes should emulate M.G. Ramachandran who was not seen smoking or drinking alcohol in any of his films but went on to win the hearts of the people.

J. Anantha Padmanabhan,

Srirangam

Dr. Ramadoss’ tireless campaign against smoking and drinking is highly laudable. It is unfortunate that his earnest appeal to Bollywood stars to stop setting a bad example to the young by smoking and drinking on screen has come in for criticism.

The Minister is certainly not being unreasonable in asking them to help him in his efforts to bring about a decline in smoking and alcohol abuse.

G. David Milton,

Maruthancode

Dr. Ramadoss’ article deserves praise not only for its unassailable arguments against the use of alcohol, tobacco and drugs, and smoking on screen but also for the genuine concern it expresses for the health of the young. Our media and NGOs should stand behind him to help him build a disease-free India.

K. Vedamurthy,

Detroit

Dr. Ramadoss’ question, “If the Health Minister should not address these issues, then who should?” needs to be answered by the film stars and the commercial lobby that supports Pepsi, Coca cola and other soft drinks.

R.R. Ayyar,

Chennai

I appreciate The Hindu for giving Dr. Ramadoss an opportunity to put his views across. Most of the mainstream media have sided with film actors on the issue of on-screen smoking and drinking in an attempt to gain publicity.

Dr. Ramadoss’ exhortation to actors has been criticised as a violation of freedom and stifling of creativity. His arguments are quite appropriate considering that he is responsible for improving the nation’s health.

S. Balaji,

Chennai

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