Consumption of alcohol is increasing day by day, and so do its unbearable consequences. As a result, according to the World Health Organization, 3.3 million people die every year due to alcohol-related problems and approximately 5.5% of the global burden of diseases results from alcohol consumption. The consequences of alcoholism don’t just end at depreciating health; it has far-reaching psychological, social, and legal consequences. These include domestic violence and strained relationships with family members to an unending financial crisis and even premature death. The intoxicated state forces people to indulge in violence, road accidents, and other serious conflicts. A study conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in 12 major hospitals in Bangalore city found that nearly 28% of road accident injuries directly resulted from alcohol intake.
Background
The short audio story Jhoola, written by Anulata Raj Nair, is a part of the “Meri Zindagi Campaign with Neelesh Mishra.” The campaign is a collaborative effort of ‘The WHO Southeast Asia Regional Office’ and Mr. Neelesh Misra’s creative team. It brings forth the dangerous outcomes of alcohol or other substance abuse in front of the youth and guides them on how to quit it. The many audio stories released under the campaign discuss various aspects of alcohol use.
Story
Jhoola is about a joyous girl Radhika who adores the village she recently got married in. She loves its fertile land, greenery, and mango gardens. But, dark reality of the town couldn’t evade her for long. Radhika observes that the alcohol-addicted village makes it impossible for women to go out after dusk while during the daytime, scars are to be seen on every women body . People are in a deep financial crisis that hampers the education of the female child, and daily quarrels are common after dark.
After a lot of hesitation and thinking, she starts a campaign with the village women. Together, they work towards spreading awareness about alcohol abuse and its brutal consequences. Initially suffering some resistance, Radhika and other women successfully convince the whole village and its head in favor of the alcohol ban.
Gradually, the nights in the town became equally blissful as days. Now women don’t hide their hurt bodies. Family relationships are improving, and better financial conditions allow girls to rejoin the school. The village youth is pushed in the right direction and now focuses more on getting a good job.
One step taken by Radhika changed the direction of villagers forever. It shows that sometimes all we need to do is take a step forward, and the rest will follow.
In collaboration with great storyteller Neleesh Mishra, WHO rightly uses this platform to spread awareness, help people quit alcohol addiction, and bring about a significant societal change.
