Chennai: Two school student’s complaint to the District Collector regarding a liquor shop near their school has resulted into its total closure from the area in the Ariyalur district of the state of Tamil Nadu.
The two students, who are reportedly siblings named E M Ilanthendral and Arivarasan are students of grade 6 and grade 4 respectively.
According to reports, after experiencing discomfort and safety issues within the vicinity of the school due to a liquor shop, the two children wrote a complaint letter to the District Collector of the area. In the letter they mentioned about the problems they faced due the liquor shop and requested the DC to get the shop removed before their schools reopens again.
While speaking to the media the students said "they drink there, sit there and use vulgar language. It is so scary for us. Because of liquor, many parents send children to work and let them beg. If we shut all liquor shops there would be no such problem."
Although the shop is not within the 100 meters from the school premises – which is the permitted distance within which a liquor shop can be located according to an order by Madras High Court – the authorities along with the Chief Secretary took prompt action to their grievances and decided to get the shop immediately relocated to a different area, away from the school’s neighborhood.
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As per the rule enacted by the Madras High Court in 2015, no alcohol shop can be permitted to be located within the 100 meters of any school premises.
Many people in the state have lauded these two young citizens for their initiative and courage to bring change in the society.
Pranitha Timothy, who is a social worker in Chennai, has said that these two children are the leaders of change because they have shown everyone the means to be courageous and take social responsibility.
The parents of both these children run a book shop for living.
Their pro-active initiative along with the government’s positive response have inspired many students across the state to take similar steps for the betterment of the society.
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