BY Padma Dolkar.
1. Alcohol isn’t an Escape.
our society once known for its spiritual depth and meaningful celebrations — is slowly drifting toward a culture of mindless partying. It was once about tradition, connection, and joy, but now it’s mostly alcohol-driven and mindless event. Be it a birthday, a promotion, college or school reunion, a marriage ceremony, or even a heartbreak or failure — alcohol has somehow become the center and most expected thing at any gathering. (party = alcohol).
Since when did we start believing that alcohol equals joy or celebration?
The truth is — it doesn’t.
We often hear people using that universal dialogue: “we only have one life, and we should try every-thing at least once” or “ ek he zindagi hay, ismein Sab kuch try karna chahiye” . That one glass of beer, that first sip taken out of curiosity or because of pressure, is where it all begins. What seems like a harmless moment often becomes a habit — and by the time you realize it, you’re already trapped.
It’s disheartening to see that the school- and college -going students are made to believe that drinking is a sign of maturity or a part of a fun group. Many are pressured to drink just to prove loyalty towards their friends and to avoid being labelled as “boring girl or mama’s boy.” But true friendship doesn’t force you to pick up a glass. If you are being accepted only by seeing what’s in your glass, maybe it’s time to question the kind of circle you’re in.
2. Celebrations are meant to create memories and not hangover.
They’re a chance to reconnect with friends, laugh, sing, dance, and share life. Sometimes, someone in the group might be silently struggling — emotionally or financially. Your time and presence could make a difference. But when alcohol takes over, you miss those moments. What could have been a beautiful memory turns into a regret the next morning — not remembering what you have said, how you behaved, or why you even drank. “There is nothing to flex about counting the number of beer bottles you had last night at any gathering, in-fact it’s embarrassing.”
3. To those who feel Pressured.
Alcohol doesn’t just change behaviour — it hijacks your consciousness. And you know what’s the scariest part ? You don’t even realise what you’re missing. It might seem like a temporary escape, but the truth is, it’s a trap. You pay the price — not just in money, but in relationships, emotions, families and most importantly, the loss of your own awareness.
To all the people out there, especially for boys/men — who are always taught to, “be strong and never cry”, for them it’s obviously an easier to grab alcohol rather than seeking help. But there’s no shame in feeling pain. There’s no weakness in crying. You’re also a human being. You don’t need to pretend to be okay all the time, and you definitely don’t need to hide your emotions behind a bottle of alcohol or a packet of cigarette.
4.Don’t believe what you see- the truth behind surrogate advertisement.
Sadly, highly influencer or actors are the one who glorifies it the most. Our favourite celebrities drink on-screen after heartbreak, promote tobacco in stylish suits, and your favourite player wore the shirt promoting tobacco while playing and it look cool and even desirable on screen and in some movies
entire song is dedicated to party and alcohol. But they don’t show the harsh reality behind the scene and the number of lives or a families that have been shattered because of the very things they endorse or because of that one addicted person in a family .
Do you really think they consume what they promote?
Of course not.
Some people say, “I only drink occasionally, in limits.” But ask yourself honestly — is it really just occasional? Or has it become routine, even expected at any gathering?.
5. It’s time to change that.
It only takes one person in a group to say, “I don’t drink.” That one voice can shift the tone of the entire gathering. Step by step, we can challenge the idea that alcohol is a requirement for joy. And if even one person reading this chooses to say no, chooses clarity over confusion — that’s a start.
There’s nothing wrong with being the quiet one. You don’t have to be the loudest, funniest, or most exciting in the group. It’s ok to be that odd one out, emotional, or going through a low phase.
All you need to do is, just listen to yourself, Your body and mind always tell you the truth — when you feel dizzy from smoking, when your blood slows from drinking, when your energy dulls under the weight of substances. You’re not just celebrating — you’re slowly breaking down.
So, the next time if there is any celebration, try saying no to the bottle. Host a get-together without alcohol. Choose real laughter, real stories, real memories and choose to be present.
Can you do that? At least once in lifetime?.
Because yes —
You can celebrate without alcohol.
You can be happy without it.
And you’re strong enough to say, “I don’t.”
writer is from ladakh , you can send your veiw at dolkarp40@gmail.com
