Friday, September 16, 2011

What has ex Chief Justice of India, ex Union Cabinet Secretary and ex Chief of Army to do with Coco Cola?

Who can be against India Environment Council, it sounds good but when you know that it is created by “India Advisory Board of Coca-Cola” then there are reasons to be suspicious. Maybe this blogger is giving the impression of going all out against “soft drinks” for exploitation of natural resources. Sure it is, these are of course symbolic references, then there are liquor companies (that too come under luxury products. Drinking maybe personal choice but promotion of liquor should be illegal, even the surrogate ads). How much this not different from illegal mining? Not denying that it is good to see that private parties are taking initiatives, but the concern is why Government not taking action in protecting natural resources. Luxury product’s use of natural resources should be scrutinized and taxed heavily. It should be put in the context of basic needs of people and sustainability. Most seriously it is likely that these very MNC are using their clout to scuttle any strict law. So it is a very old wily game plan. Create a perception of goodness, use pliable people to spread aura. But when you have very senior people like ex Chief Justice of India, ex Union Cabinet Secretary and ex Chief of Army in the Board then this is a very serious matter, how much they have compromised. Why would these people be on the Board? What is their insight? Also Consider that Indian Army had serving officer suggesting us to drink this brand not too long back. Unethicality is accentuated by the fact that these were promoted by officer sportsperson wherein the product has no nutritive value, indeed its harmful affect is documented. Further, the trust and respect placed on the Army was sought to be accrued by MNCs. How much policy makers are compromising or succumbing to onslaught of MNCs is a mute question. Now this brand name is sought to be used for school…well for better brand recall catch them young! If they are so concerned about condition of schools why are they using their brand name?

It is being revealed recently that US Government officials tried pressurizing the Kerala government on opening of now closed exploitative Coca Cola plant. We all know that US government actively supports and promotes its business but when a powerful nation colludes with a MNC that is exploiting natural resource then you know why they call it neo colonial. There are too many people around the policy makers who are facilitating this loot. It is evident that it runs deep into the policy making, it is grievous.

Post script: the above ads –an earlier Coco Cola ad, states that “…babies who start drinking soda during the earlier formative period have a much higher chance of gaining acceptance in ‘fitting in’ during those awkward pre-teen and teen years…..start them on strict regimen of sodas and other sugary carbonated beverages right now….” Marvelous. Now they have gone sophisticated but the intent is same. We have Indian Army for help in 'fitting in'. Jai hind sirji!!