Indian archbishop gives milkshakes to promote anti-liquor campaign

Published: 2008-03-05

TRIVANDRUM, India (CNS) -- A Catholic archbishop in the southern Indian state of Kerala distributed free milkshakes to promote an anti-liquor campaign. Archbishop Maria Soosa Pakiam of Trivandrum, leading an anti-liquor campaign in Kerala, appealed March 1 to people of all religions to stay away from alcohol. The Kerala Anti-Liquor Committee, an interreligious forum to which the prelate belongs, provided the free milkshakes to launch a two-month campaign against alcohol. The archbishop arranged for a milkshake vending machine in front of the state secretariat in Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala state. About 100 people attended the program and drank the milkshakes, reported the Asian church news agency UCA News. "I've met the state chief minister, (other) ministers and officials several times to warn them about alcoholism gripping the state. They promised many things, but never kept their word. Instead, they have promoted liquor by opening more shops," the archbishop said, accusing the state government of promoting liquor to gain revenue.

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