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It is a state where the female population is over 51 per cent and the literacy rate of females is 88 per cent, the highest in India. However, I am surprised to learn that in spite of this, alcoholism is rampant and women are the worst sufferers. Similarly, I am told that the dowry system persists and continues to be a major problem here.

This was from none other than Smt Pratibha Patil, President of India on her visit to Kerala.

Time for a couple of stats:

• The state’s alcohol consumption for the month of December was a whopping $9 million.
• Kerala State Beverages Corporation has said that the total sales for this fiscal is expected to be in excess of Rs 5,300 crore, up from Rs 4,631 crore in the last fiscal.

It’s almost like men in Kerala work to drink, the skilled workers and labourers both young and old simply resort to hooch to celebrate, mourn or relax after a day’s work. Alcoholism is everywhere, hospitals filled with patients with liver problems and addiction centres full of drunkards who are bundled out of their homes in the hope of a recovery.

Relapse in treatment is also common with prayer and treatment centres and other facilities refusing entry after a third time. Families divided, divorce and all the other evils that follow is everywhere. The President’s remark has brought Kerala to the national front today.

What can be done? A social reform where there are more sports and recreational facilities for a nominal fee minus the drinks is what is needed. Something that a man can do with his family and get his mind of the hootch. Why can’t they revive a few football clubs and have matches that people can go and enjoy? Any ideas anyone? What’s your take?