Every year on 5 August, Sevalaya observes Putli Ba Day at its campus in Kasuva village, near Thiruninravur, Tiruvallur, commemorating Mahatma Gandhi’s pledge to his mother, Putli Ba, to abstain from alcohol before leaving for England to pursue higher studies.
The event held today was graced by writer and educationist Chitra Balasubramanian as the Chief Guest. Speaking on the occasion, Chitra Balasubramanian said, “Everyone knows about Kasturba Gandhi, but very few know about Putli Ba, who played a pivotal role in shaping Mahatma Gandhi. I am delighted that Sevalaya has been organising such a meaningful event. The promise you make to your mother today should remain like an umbilical cord that binds you to her throughout your life. Keep this promise till your last day.”
For the past 12 years, Sevalaya has been organising Putli Ba Day under the guidance and support of G Ram Mohan, Former Railway Safety Commissioner, Indian Railways. The students wore T-shirts carrying the message, “I Will Not Drink Alcohol,” held their mothers’ hands and pledged that they would never consume alcohol throughout their lives. Students from Sevalaya’s Mahakavi Bharathiyar Higher Secondary School and Community College, Kasuva, took part in the programme in person, while students from 11 schools across Sirkazhi, Oragadam, Thillaiyadi and Tiruvallur joined the event online and took the pledge.
Following the pledge, many mothers emotionally shared their life experiences and spoke about the suffering alcoholism had caused to their families. They urged their sons to honour the promise for life. Many mothers from underprivileged families said that the event had given them renewed hope that the next generation would lead healthier and addiction-free lives. The objective of the programme is to educate students about the devastating impact of alcoholism on individuals, families, society and the nation, and to inspire them to lead lives free from addiction.
Earlier, V Muralidharan, Founder and Managing Trustee of Sevalaya, welcomed the gathering and explained the significance of Putli Ba Day. He said Sevalaya is the only organisation in thevworld that observes Putli Ba Day every year and thanked Sevalaya’s supporter Ram Mohan forvinitiating and continuously guiding the programme. He appealed to all schools to observe PutlivBa Day, noting that mothers are the greatest sufferers of alcoholism. He urged students to understand their mothers’ pain and remember that alcohol can destroy their lives and aspirations. He also shared that a follow-up survey among students who had taken the pledge found that nearly 75% continue to remain free from alcohol. A memento was presented to the Chief Guest.
