Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai urged the public on 28 October 2024 to purchase and set off “a lot of firecrackers” during Deepavali, highlighting the importance of supporting workers in the fireworks industry. He emphasized that a single day of celebration would not significantly impact the environment, asserting that this tradition is an integral part of our culture and benefits many workers.
Through his official X account, Annamalai stated, “Bursting firecrackers is our culture. The livelihood of our people. The overall economy of our Sivakasi. I request all of us to buy and burst as many crackers as we can for the livelihood of the workers who make crackers for our happiness. May this festival of Diwali be a Diwali that shines light in everyone’s life, like the light of the sparklers. Happy Diwali everyone!”
In the voice-over video, he said, “Greetings to all my lovable brothers and sisters, I would like to share the insight that evolved in my mind. The festivals closest to my heart from my childhood are Pongal and Diwali. Diwali is not only celebrated in our country but also in over 12 countries with public holidays. It is enhanced with new clothes, sweets, get-togethers, and crackers. There would be a race among our neighboring houses on the maximum crackers burst. There were times when the cracker sales exceeded ₹6,000 crore per year. However, in recent years, people have reduced the usage of crackers due to concerns about environmental impact.”
“At many times this concern seems to be forced upon us. Even last year, I raised questions on the impact if it was done for a day. America’s per capita emission per year is 13.83 tons, placing it 16th in the most per capita emission list of the world. China’s per capita carbon dioxide emission per year is 9.24 tons, placing it in the world’s 25th place. But India’s per capita emission per year is 2.07 tons and in the 125th place. Yet, bursting of crackers for just one day in a year is being projected as an issue.”, he said.
“We are aware that bursting of crackers protects the livelihood of many. About 8 lakh people are dependent on the crackers industry directly and indirectly. They produce crackers under extreme working conditions for our happiness. Shouldn’t we buy crackers for the happiness of them and their families? Only if the crackers industry survives could its dependent industries thrive. The printing industry is also facing a similar issue. The livelihood of lakhs of brothers and sisters who set up shops to sell crackers to repay loans will be protected. Bursting crackers is not only part of our culture but also the livelihood of our people. It protects the economic prosperity of our brothers and sisters of Sivakasi.”, he added.
“I request you all to buy crackers in large numbers. There will not be much impact if they are burst for just one day in a year. We have to use them with precaution without disturbing other living beings. Let us celebrate this Diwali with joy, including the joy of the brothers and sisters of Sivakasi too. I extend my warm Diwali wishes to you all. Let this Diwali light up the lives of everyone,” Annamalai finally said.
பட்டாசு வெடிப்பது நம்ம கலாச்சாரம். நம் மக்களின் வாழ்வாதாரம். நம் சிவகாசியின் ஒட்டுமொத்த பொருளாதாரம்.
நம் மகிழ்ச்சிக்காகப் பட்டாசு தயாரிக்கும் தொழிலாளர்களின் வாழ்வாதாரத்துக்காக, நாம் அனைவரும், நம்மால் முடிந்த அளவுக்குப் பட்டாசு வாங்கி வெடிக்க வேண்டுமென்று கேட்டுக் கொள்கிறேன்.… pic.twitter.com/t1i0LvFNFH
— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) October 28, 2024
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