RESPONSE: Ban on Coke-Pepsi on BHU, Varanasi campus
Rajeev Dubey, Gujarat
....................

Rajeev ji has responded to the posting of Dr Sandeep Pandey which is
also given below
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Dear Friends,

There has been a very successful business story for alternative
beverages / drinks like 'jaljeera' packed and bottled in
Saurashtra...perhaps the next step that should be considered on
Gandhian lines is to convert each such problem into a success story
which also earns money as was done using khadi and such other cottage
industry items during freedom struggle.

The ban on one set of things should follow introduction of
alternative items and business/employment for the local people. That
would be the only real victory. Or else, after some time the BIG GUYS
will come back silently...! Let's win on strengths...!

Let me know if I could be of any help for someone needing more
inputs/directions/business advice/etc.

Rajeev Dubey
Cell: +91-9898047047
Home:+91-265-2356811
Vadodara, Gujarat, India
Email: tordubey@...
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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@...