MUMBAI: Unlike some of the characters he has played on the silver screen, actor Imran Khan is a passionate youngster. He feels strongly about issues and bristles at the state's specious actions and inactions. But what has really enraged him this time, besides perhaps the rest of the country's youth brigade, is the Maharashtra government's decision to firmly impose the unusually high drinking age of 25.
The 28-year-old actor calls the administration's resolution troubling. Though just a social drinker himself, Khan says "it shows the growing perception that young people need to be handled or managed. That we are incapable of making rational, informed decisions for ourselves". That is why the celluloid star has decided to intervene. Besides approaching the Bombay high court against the government's resolution, Khan is starting an online campaign on Saturday to rake in support from the public.
"I am starting a page called Power to the Youth on a social networking site, where people can sign an online petition. This drinking law is already a burning issue on the internet with the youth, which goes on to show that many people feel the same way as I do." The actor is hopeful that people in the film industry and elsewhere will come out to support the cause.
This is just step one. Khan says his lawyers will file a public interest litigation on his behalf next week, asking the court to review the law. "I hold an Overseas Citizen Card, which prevents me from filing a petition directly."
It was early this month that the Maharashtra government decided to impose its ban on youngsters under 25 drinking hard liquor. The move caused an avalanche of criticism, with everyone from parents to de-addiction experts lambasting the administration.
Khan elaborates that he does not endorse drinking alcohol, but feels strongly that the youth should have the right to choose whether or not to drink. "At the age of 21, we are legally permitted to vote, to marry, to have children, to enlist for military service and, if need be, to give our lives in the country's defence. If a person is an adult in the eyes of the government, he or she should be free to indulge in any legal activity without a fear of legal clauses."
Besides, the actor says, it is unlikely that the law will stop people under the age of 25 from drinking alcohol. On the contrary, it will merely promote corruption, malfeasance and bootlegging.
"I am afraid that if we stand quiet and let this pass, we will pave the way for curtailment of any number of our liberties. What is to stop someone from proposing a limit on the number of children one can have in order to manage our population?"
It is hypocritical that we can vote, drive and get married before the age of 25, but can't drink alcohol. It is very possible that the youth may rebel
— Sonam Kapoor
The law is not logical and it will be violated. People will consume alcohol, whether at 18, 20 or 21. Most countries have a drinking age of 18 or 21, so why not keep the same cut-off here
— Abhay Deol
Given that you can vote and drive by the time you are 18, it is ridiculous to have a law that does not allow you the right to choose whether or not you want to drink before you are 25. If lawmakers believe you are mature enough to decide what is in the best interest of your country and vote, surely you are old enough to be responsible for the consequences of your own drinking
— Kangna Ranaut
I don't drink, but I endorse Imran Khan's cause. He has shown the courage to fight for the right of youth. Why have a different age for drinking when we are considered an adult at 18
— Ankita Shorey | Pantaloons Femina Miss India International 2011
At 18, if you are responsible enough to marry and have a family, then why not drinking
— Shradha Kapoor
I actually think they should reduce the legal drinking age to 16. India is a young democratic country. We can't believe that our youth is irresponsible. If at 18 we can trust them to choose the government, then we should let them decide whether or not they want to drink. I would urge the government to disseminate through the media and college curriculum information on the ill effects of alcohol abuse and on the need to be responsible when driving
— Kunal Kemmu
( Raise your voice. Join the Times campaign against drinking age limit of 25 )
The 28-year-old actor calls the administration's resolution troubling. Though just a social drinker himself, Khan says "it shows the growing perception that young people need to be handled or managed. That we are incapable of making rational, informed decisions for ourselves". That is why the celluloid star has decided to intervene. Besides approaching the Bombay high court against the government's resolution, Khan is starting an online campaign on Saturday to rake in support from the public.
"I am starting a page called Power to the Youth on a social networking site, where people can sign an online petition. This drinking law is already a burning issue on the internet with the youth, which goes on to show that many people feel the same way as I do." The actor is hopeful that people in the film industry and elsewhere will come out to support the cause.
This is just step one. Khan says his lawyers will file a public interest litigation on his behalf next week, asking the court to review the law. "I hold an Overseas Citizen Card, which prevents me from filing a petition directly."
It was early this month that the Maharashtra government decided to impose its ban on youngsters under 25 drinking hard liquor. The move caused an avalanche of criticism, with everyone from parents to de-addiction experts lambasting the administration.
Khan elaborates that he does not endorse drinking alcohol, but feels strongly that the youth should have the right to choose whether or not to drink. "At the age of 21, we are legally permitted to vote, to marry, to have children, to enlist for military service and, if need be, to give our lives in the country's defence. If a person is an adult in the eyes of the government, he or she should be free to indulge in any legal activity without a fear of legal clauses."
Besides, the actor says, it is unlikely that the law will stop people under the age of 25 from drinking alcohol. On the contrary, it will merely promote corruption, malfeasance and bootlegging.
"I am afraid that if we stand quiet and let this pass, we will pave the way for curtailment of any number of our liberties. What is to stop someone from proposing a limit on the number of children one can have in order to manage our population?"
It is hypocritical that we can vote, drive and get married before the age of 25, but can't drink alcohol. It is very possible that the youth may rebel
— Sonam Kapoor
The law is not logical and it will be violated. People will consume alcohol, whether at 18, 20 or 21. Most countries have a drinking age of 18 or 21, so why not keep the same cut-off here
— Abhay Deol
Given that you can vote and drive by the time you are 18, it is ridiculous to have a law that does not allow you the right to choose whether or not you want to drink before you are 25. If lawmakers believe you are mature enough to decide what is in the best interest of your country and vote, surely you are old enough to be responsible for the consequences of your own drinking
— Kangna Ranaut
I don't drink, but I endorse Imran Khan's cause. He has shown the courage to fight for the right of youth. Why have a different age for drinking when we are considered an adult at 18
— Ankita Shorey | Pantaloons Femina Miss India International 2011
At 18, if you are responsible enough to marry and have a family, then why not drinking
— Shradha Kapoor
I actually think they should reduce the legal drinking age to 16. India is a young democratic country. We can't believe that our youth is irresponsible. If at 18 we can trust them to choose the government, then we should let them decide whether or not they want to drink. I would urge the government to disseminate through the media and college curriculum information on the ill effects of alcohol abuse and on the need to be responsible when driving
— Kunal Kemmu
( Raise your voice. Join the Times campaign against drinking age limit of 25 )
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