Tea Board members from the South have urged the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, to implement without fail last week's announcement of the Planning Commission Deputy Chairman, Mr Montek Singh Ahluwalia, to officially declare by April 2013 tea as India's national drink.

“We have been seeking ‘national drink' status for tea for long based on the reality that it is drunk by Indians across all States. Tea is grown and manufactured in India and hence contributes commendably to import substitution. It is not possible for any other Indian-made drink to claim this status. So, we have requested Prime Minister to accord the status duly,” the Tea Board member, Dr S Ramu, told Business Line .

“Tea deserves national drink status even on health grounds,” said Mr P. Viswanathan who represents Parliament on Tea Board.

“Researchers have proved that Indian tea is rich in anti-oxidants fights against degenerative diseases including cancer and heart stroke. It is good to fight the ill-effects of cholesterol, dental, neurological and diabetic problems. Tea is regarded all over India as a symbol of hospitality. It is grown under eco-friendly conditions”, he explained.

“On employment angle also, tea is a national drink”, opined Board member Mr Koshy Baby. “Tea industry gives employment to nearly 1.3 million Indians of whom more than half are women. So, tea is a national job provider even as it is a national beverage provider,” he reasoned.

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