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Ramadoss presses for prohibition

— Photo: K. V. Srinivasan

MAKING A PLEA: PMK founder president S. Ramadoss, along with those supporting prohibition, calling on Chief Minister M Karunanidhi at the Secretariat in Chennai on Monday.

CHENNAI: Pattali Makkal Katchi founder S. Ramadoss and a team of prohibition seekers met Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi on Monday to press for total prohibition in the State.

Mr. Karunanidhi assured them that the issue would be discussed but declined to enforce total prohibition immediately.

Dr. Ramadoss, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi president Thol. Thirumavalavan, and the team submitted a copy of the resolutions adopted at a prohibition meeting held last month to the Chief Minister.

They later told reporters that the Chief Minister had agreed to consider their demand.

Dr. Ramadoss highlighted the evils of drinking and said that more and more young persons were being hooked to the habit.

Later, addressing an inter-faith meeting organised by his party to mark Christmas, Dr. Ramadoss hailed Christians for their role in the fields of education and health. It was because of the community’s work that some people had a change of heart, not a change of religion.

The PMK leader wanted the topic of human values to be taught in schools from standard VI.

All religions supported prohibition, he said.

A doubt could arise among some sections of society as to why the party was holding the event.

In 1997, the PMK conducted meetings in 14 districts to highlight the importance of social and communal harmony, Dr. Ramadoss recalled.

Rev. A.M. Chinnappa, Archbishop of Madras-Mylapore, said India would never become a mono-culture, mono-faith country.

Marudhachala Adigal of the Perur mutt said inclusiveness was an intrinsic feature of Tamil culture and society.

G.K. Mani, PMK president, and Bishop Ezra Sargunam were among those who took part in the function. Cultural programmes were organised.

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