Raipur, Jan 25 : It is entirely in fitness of things that Mahatma Gandhi be the brand ambassador of a campaign to combat alcoholism. It is slightly bizarre that the campaign has been launched in Chhattisgarh by a state-run firm that is engaged in liquor business.

"Chhattisgarh is the first state where its State Beverages Corporation Ltd. has launched an awareness drive for a liquor-free society to build a healthy society. It has made the Father of the Nation', Mahatma Gandhi its brand ambassador because he fought against this social evil (alcoholism) all his life," the corporation statement said.

The State Beverages Corporation Ltd., a Chhattisgarh public undertaking engaged in the liquor business, has also brought out a 2013 calendar, which was inaugurated by Chief Minister Raman Singh Thursday.

The calendar extensively depicts various aspects of Gandhi's life and how he cautioned the masses against alcoholism.

Chhattisgarh is implementing prohibition laws in a phased manner to deal with rampant alcoholism.

Releasing the calendar, the chief minister lauded the efforts of the corporation to combat alcoholism.(IANS)