Despite the efforts of governments to educate the public about the health hazards of consuming pan masala, a popular chewing mixture, its consumption continues in India. This problem is further exacerbated by the endorsement of silver-coated elaichi, a mouth-freshener produced by a renowned pan masala company, by cricketers such as Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, Virender Sehwag, and Chris Gayle.
While governments aim to raise awareness about the dangers of pan masala, these influential cricketers’ endorsements undermine these efforts. However, former player Sachin Tendulkar recently took a stand against such promotions, emphasizing athletes’ responsibility as role models.
Pan masala, known for its addictive and harmful ingredients, poses significant health risks to consumers. Governments have been striving to educate the masses about its detrimental effects and discourage consumption. However, the endorsements by cricketing icons who promote silver-coated elaichi, associated with a famous pan masala company, create a contradictory message. Despite being aware of the health risks, these cricketers continue to endorse the product, diluting the efforts to curb pan masala consumption.
Kapil Dev, a heart patient, and Sunil Gavaskar, 73 years old, should be particularly cautious about promoting products that could harm their health. Virender Sehwag, who often advocates for healthy choices, appears to contradict his message by endorsing a pan masala-related product. Chris Gayle, hailing from the West Indies, where pan masala is not prevalent, raises questions about the relevance of his endorsement. These cricketers, with their significant influence, have the power to shape public behavior, and their endorsements undermine the anti-tobacco efforts of the government.
In contrast to his fellow cricketers, Sachin Tendulkar has taken a principled stance against promoting tobacco products. He revealed that tobacco companies had approached him with lucrative offers, but he declined as a promise to his father. Tendulkar recognized his role as a role model and the impact his endorsements could have on the public. Tendulkar has committed to maintaining his status as a responsible icon by refusing to promote such brands.
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“Tobacco companies offered me a blank cheque in the past to promote them, but I promised my father that I’ll never promote it as he said I’m a role model and people will follow what I do,” said Sachin Tendulkar.
While Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, Virender Sehwag, and Chris Gayle influence these promotions, Sachin Tendulkar stands apart by rejecting lucrative offers from tobacco companies. Tendulkar’s refusal serves as a reminder of athletes’ responsibility as role models and highlights the need for cricketers to align their endorsements with public health concerns.
