As a rippling effect of the historic Jallikattu protest hosted in the state of Tamil Nadu, coke and pepsi products have been banned in most parts of the state including educational institutions, restaurants, bakeries and many more. The 'Tamil Nadu Vanigar Sangankalin Peramaippu' have announced that shops under their union will not be any more trading coke and pepsi products from 1st March, 2017, on wards. While, the the 'Tamil Nadu Traders Federation' have terminated the sale from January 26th itself. People and establishments who have opted to ban coke and pepsi are slowly dusting the traditional drinks and locally-made drinks that were buried after the coke and pepsi's arrival.
Yet, still a section of the people claim the ban as an 'emotional' decision rather than 'wise'. They also hold the view that small sized shop keepers who earn a decent sum out of the products as commission will be highly impacted, hence they will slowly start trading coke and pepsi products. Nonavailability of stock of local-made goods and cost of them is yet another factor that will be persuade the banned people to look back at the decision. A comprehensive view from all eminent people from the city has been taken to understand the practical viability of this ban.
Karthikeyan, TiE President, Coimbatore
'Ban on Pepsi and Coke products will not have any impact on the economy'
Karthikeyan, TiE President, Coimbatore Chapter shares that "The ban of Coke and Pepsi emerged from the Jallikattu protest. In fact, organizations like Swadeshi Jagran Manch have been tirelessly working for more than 2 decades towards ban of foreign goods, predominantly coke and pepsi. But, they could not achieve the desired results. To the contrary, it has now come to reality because of the people's involvement and their understanding to flush out these products from the consumption list.
However, this ban will not have any negative impact on the economy of Tamil Nadu. The chain of distributors and dealers of these products may face some temporary challenges but considering the interest of the Nation, it is totally insignificant. Let us look at the case of America, President Trump has categorically expressed his intent of generation of local employment and even gone to the extent of returning those immigrants. Therefore, protection of Indian products or healthy products is in tune with the Global thinking.”
Kandhasami, President Farmers Welfare Association
'Consuming expensive chocolate bars is seen as a symbol of pride but mucnching locally-made traditional bars like Chikki and peanuts are seen as a symbol of shame, this attitude should change'
Kandhasami, President Farmers Welfare Association has expressed the ban as a 'welcome move'. 'And, that Farmers across the State have unanimously support the ban of foreign drinks like coke and pepsi. DEspite, knowing the ill-effects of these drinks people especialluy the youngsters and kids were consuming these drinks. But now, it's comforting to learn that people are ready to negate these harmful products from their lifestyle. If people buy more traditional drinks like Tender Coconut, Kambakool, Nannari, Buttermilk the farmers will ultimately be benefited, it will boost their economy.
However, doubts prevail among people if these ban would affect the economy of our nation/state as our Governments have tie-ups with these multi-national companies. Above all, there is a trend nowadays among the youngsters that consuming expensive chocolate bars is a symbol of pride and munching locally-made traditional bars like Ckikki and peanuts are seen as a symbol of shame. These kind of misconceptions should change, our traditional snacks and drinks are enriched with taste and nutrition, unlike the foreign goods'.
Dr. KathaMuthu, Consultant Urologist - Sri Ramakrishna Hospital, Coimbatore
'Natural drinks like tender coconut is always the best. People should never forget 'Health is Wealth!'
Dr. KathaMuthu, Consultant Urologist from Sri Ramakrishna Hospital explains about the health hazards of the aerated drinks. 'Aerated beverages and artificial sweeteners are not good for our overall health. Teeth, bone, kidney and metabolic system are impacted by it's consumption. Nature's gift like tender coconut are the best forever as they are sans side-effects. Though, I can't comment very precisely on its impact on economy but this is a good move.
Unaware of the permanent illness these products can leave on them, lot of youngsters fall prey to these sugary aerated drinks and consume it on a regular basis. Belching, Heartburn, Increased Risk of Obesity, Poor Nutrition, Reduced Bone Strength and many more health hazards are caused by these products'. People should always remember 'Health is Wealth'!
Dr. V.G.Mohan Prasad, Chairman of V.G.M Gastro Centre, Coimbatore
'Coke and Pepsi are as dreadful as alcohol. Ban is much appreciated'.
Dr. V.G.Mohan Prasad, Chairman of V.G.M Gastro Centre while talking to us shared that "Coke and Pepsi products directly does not attribute to cancer. The sweetening agents and high calories present in coke and Pepsi drinks results to fatty liver disease, which gradually turns into Liver Cirrhosis. And, 20- 30% of Liver Cirrhosis patients will become victims of cancer over a period of time. Lured by the sweetening agent and aerated content, kids and youngsters get addicted to drinking these drinks on a very regular basis.
Due to excessive consumption of these drinks school and college-going students have become more prone to obesity, blood pressure, high sugar levels, metabolic disorders and much more. I would say, the recent ban on these product is nothing less than banning alcohol. It's as dreadful as alcohol. Intermittent consumption of coke and pepsi products will not create problem but frequent consumption will lead to health hazards, sometimes irreparable!'.
Jaishree Santosh, CEO and Secretary of VLB Jankiammal College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore.
'It was the students who proposed the ban to the management. Students have thoroughly understood the goodness of traditional drinks'.
Jaishree Santosh, CEO and Secretary of VLB Jankiammal College of Arts and Science shared that 'It was students who proposed the ban of coke and pepsi products. Students group met the management and requested us to terminate these products from our college canteen.Taken aback by their decision, we immediately accepted to their requests.
We replaced coke and pepsi with traditional drinks like tender coconut, fresh juices, butter milk, badam milk. The response has been tremendous, students are happily enjoying these drinks. Those the price of these traditional drinks are little expensive than banned drinks, student's seems to be very determined and have thoroughly understood the ill-effects of the banned drinks and the goodness of our traditional drinks.
Lakshmi Priya, Organic Farmer, Owner & Executive Chef of 10 Briyani Mandi:
'Eat what is produced locally , it's the mantra for a healthy life'
Lakshmi Priya, Organic Farmer, Owner & Executive Chef of 10 Briyani Mandi has also expressed that 'The ban on Coke and Pepsi products is very much appreciated. We at 10 Briyani Mandi have never served aerated drinks especially Coke and Pepsi. Initially, customers requested us to have them on our menu cards but as a policy we stood with traditional drinks like Elaneer Sharbath, Nannari and fresh lime juice. Our ancestors have shown us the best way to live a healthy life then why choose to use products that are hazardous to life and environment'.