Believe it or not, 50,000 litres of milk is wasted every time a Rajinikanth film is released in a state where 15% of the population cannot afford to buy it, let alone consume it. This in no way should be a statement that should be quoted with pride. The ritual of pouring milk over Rajinikanth’s cut-outs on the day of his film’s release has upset several people including the Tamil Nadu Milk Dealer Employees Welfare Association.
“When 15 percent of the population in the state cannot afford to buy milk, this senseless wasting of thousands of litres of milk should not be tolerated. Roughly between 50,000 to 75,000 litres of milk is wasted every time the movie of a popular hero releases.Who is answerable for such irresponsible behaviour? Rajinikanth is a huge star who inspires unquestioned loyalty from his fans. They follow his every movement. He has a responsibility to these youngsters, he should guide them on the right path,” said SA Ponnusamy, President of the association to Rediff.com. Social Activist Dr IMS Manivannan urged the actor for a similar request and asked if arrangements of blood donation camps or buying of milk so it can be distributed to the poor can be made.
Gallons of milk is wasted year after year in the ‘paal abhishekham’ of Thalaivar’s cut-outs and theft of many milk packets is reported during the release which doesn’t benefit anyone. Neither do the fan clubs take such requests seriously nor do the police. Even though the message has been time and again conveyed to Rajinikanth’s Fan Clubs as the star himself is not a believer in such practices, even today we saw the same ritual being indulged in to celebrate the release of Kabali.
People have suggested the man himself to step down and request his fans to stop this practice as all it does is waste useful resources. Reports have highlighted facts like that of pregnant women dying in the country every 5 minutes for not getting enough nutritional resources to be able to eat for two. Also, statistics which show that the number of unfed children in the country keeps increasing by the day in the country.
Apparently during the release of Kochadiiyaan and Lingaa, no tea vendor was able to get milk as the supply was diverted to the theatres for worshipping Rajnikanth’s cut-outs. Is it necessary? An injunction suit was reportedly filed in a Bengaluru court against Rajnikanth for wasting thousands of litres of milk during the release of his films.
How can Rajnikanth or anyone for that matter find happiness in something of this sort. Having met the most powerful man on Indian cinema, who has such a modest demeanour, I can vouch for the fact how it wouldn’t give him any satisfaction to take away from the less fortunate just for a day of celebratory activities. I plead with folded hands to the supreme force that is Thalaivar, to request his fans to stop this wasteful practice and keep my fingers crossed that better sense prevails.
Source: Rediff.com
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