Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Health concerns

I wholly support Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss’ concern over the ill-effects of glorifying smoking and drinking in films, and the health hazards of junk food (May 11). He is being unfairly criticised for his actions. Celebrities are being callous towards the nation by refusing to accept their role in the growing number of youngsters who are addicted to smoking. They must spare a thought for the larger number of people who struggle to meet the increased expenditure on healthcare.

Shahnaz Mohamed Thahir,

Edappally

Dr. Ramadoss is rightly hurt at the fact that his campaign against smoking, drinking, drug abuse and junk food is not getting enough support. It is a pity that he does not get a word of appreciation even from his colleagues for his laudable effort.

T.K. Subramanian,

Chennai

Cinema has a great impact, positive and negative, on the people. Scenes of drinking and smoking are bound to have an unfavourable effect on the viewers, particularly the youth. An actor can become popular even without glamorising smoking and drinking if he has the talent.

T. Vasanthi,

Chennai

I wholeheartedly congratulate Dr. Ramadoss on taking responsibility for the health of the people. The Health and the I&B Ministry together should ensure that scenes that show a person smoking do not appear in films and television serials.

Vedula Krishna,

Chennai

The Health Minister’s arguments are quite convincing. His appeal for support to curb scenes of tobacco and alcohol use in movies should be taken in the right spirit.

His statement that tobacco and alcohol together make a perfect recipe for early death cannot be disputed. No extraneous factor should be allowed to dampen his enthusiasm.

Y.S. Kadakshamani,

Madurai

The uncharitable remarks being passed against Dr. Ramadoss for his views on on-screen smoking and drinking by industry-sponsored campaigners are not convincing. The profound influence that movie stars exercise on the minds of viewers is well known. Is there a parent who does not discipline his or her children on the lines of Dr. Ramadoss? The Minister deserves unbiased support from all quarters.

G. Rajaram,

Chennai

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