THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Efforts of the Sri Sathya Sai Orphanage Trust to make Mudakkal panchayat, where its prestigious project Sai Gramam is situated, liquor-free have almost become successful. Marking the success of an effective campaign, Excise Minister K Babu will soon declare Mudakkal as a liquor-free village. "It has been a constant and patient effort of the Trust with the support of Mudakkal panchayat. We began the anti-liquor campaign on the Gandhi Jayanthi Day in 2009,’’ said Ananda Kumar, executive director of the Trust.A total population of 43,104, of which 21,464 are men, inhabits the panchayat. "Without any hunger strike or picketing, we could close down all toddy shops in the area,’’ he said. The campaign was based on awareness. As more and more people became aware of the ill-effects of drinking, they got rid of the habit. When sales came down drastically, the contractors were forced to close down toddy shops. As there are no Beverages Corporation outlets in the panchayat, technically it became a liquor-free village."But, we don’t claim that the drinking habit has been completely cured,’’ said Ananda Kumar. The Trust is on the pursuit of this objective. Another campaign to make Mudakkal panchayat litigation-free is also on, under the leadership of the Orphanage Trust. Led by president Advocate Lenin, the Mudakkal panchayat is also lending every help for the movement.
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