Maverick Rathore's blog

excerpts from an Article by Ali Mehdi - member of the governance team, Centre for Civil Society. 

That is the question of responsible governance that policy makers should not shirk.

Politicians in Gujarat have longed harped on ill effects of Alcohol and have time and again drawn references from Gandhiji's speeches. Why has alcohol been the only one to bear the brunt? All aware of the increasing use of tobacco in varied forms, especially gutka in Gujarat. In fact the consumption of Gujarat in most regions has gone to appalling levels threatening fatal infections.

As Amdavadis regale in the chaos [IIMA], with the roots [CEPT] not far behind....I and my friend raise a toast to the freeing spirit of this city, that has grown to know of some more nights of revelry besides the nine [thanks to these esteemed institutions]....Paradoxical though it may seem but our toast was behind closed doors, and in hushed tones, lest the neighbours may hear.

And as i pondered on the freedom to stand there, with a beer in a hand and listen to the music.....the thoughts of the relation between music and Alcohol crossed my mind.

I'm sure all of us in somewhere or the other have seen this. There exists a correlaton between these two. Music traditionally has been in the company of Drinks...Remember Umrao Jaan or the classics of Elvis. Even in UK and Ireland the pub culture has significantly changed the music. Traditional music moved into the pubs when the idea of playing for listening and not for dancing became important. The same goes for India where music is far more for listening...Gazals, the indian music form is the best companion of any drinker.