Maharashtra govt lauds Sachin for refusing to endorse liquor ad

MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government has appreciated master blaster Sachin Tendulkar for choosing his principles over money, by saying 'no' to endorse a liquor advertisement.

In a letter to the legendary batsman, Minister of Social Justice Department Shivajirao Moghe welcomed his decision, refusing to endorse a liquor advertisement.

"We appreciate Sachin that he is helping us indirectly in the de-addiction campaign run by the Government and also setting up an example for others," Moghe said.

The Minister lauded Sachin for turning down a whopping Rs 20 crore-offer to promote a top liquor or cigarette brand.

Sachin, an idol to crores of youths has shown that he is a responsible citizen of the society and stuck to his principles by rejecting a huge amount, Moghe said.

"I expect that other famous personalities would also follow the foot steps of Sachin and make the society addiction-free," the minister said.

Considering that liquor addiction has destroyed many families and also trapped youths, the Government is drafting a de-addiction policy.

"We want to keep away youth from liquor or cigarettes addictions and therefore drafting a policy," Moghe said.