ALERT: Ban on Coke-Pepsi on BHU, Varanasi campus
Dr Sandeep Pandey
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dear friends,

I am sharing with you the email i received from Nandlal Master, who has been
leading the struggle for rights of local communities over natural resources, in
particularly, water and putting up a stiff resistance to corporate giants like
Coca Cola.

'Cold/soft drinks will not be allowed on Banaras Hindu University campus in
Varanasi from August 1, 2007. BHU has placed a ban on Coke and Pepsi on campus.
This decision was taken by the BHU administration on 1st August. Everybody is
happy. Although, some people opposed the ban, but everybody agreed that
cold/soft drinks are not good in any way. The Mehdiganj movement (against
Coca-Cola) is getting strengthened gradually. Congratualtions to all colleagues
(for your support to the movement).'

i must say this is a very big victory. because some state governments in south
and west india had placed a ban on soft drinks in their
states/school-colleges/government offices earlier, but this is really the first
time when a north indian university has placed a ban on coke and pepsi. for
nandlal, a youth from rural background, who has led a popular grassroots
movement against the coca-cola bottling plant in village mehdiganj in varanasi
district for the last 5 years this is a morale boosting development.

those of you who want to congratulate nandlal, you may reach him at 9415300520
or email: napm_up@...


sandeep
email: ashaashram@...