Chennai, May 22: Actor and politician Kamal Haasan has issued a message to the citizens of India in light of ongoing tensions in West Asia, rising oil prices, and a global energy crisis.
In a video posted on his ‘X’ account, Haasan emphasized that the current situation presents not just an economic challenge but a critical time for the nation to unite and take responsibility. He urged people to reduce fuel consumption and prioritize national interests over political agendas.
Haasan pointed out that the effects of the Iran conflict and disruptions in maritime trade are being felt worldwide. Countries like India, which heavily rely on oil and gas imports, are particularly impacted. The prices of cooking gas, petrol, diesel, and essential commodities are continuously rising.
He noted that many countries have already implemented energy-saving regulations. Citing examples, he mentioned that leaders in nations like Singapore are advising their citizens to prepare for tough times ahead. He also referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for citizens to conserve electricity and fuel over the next year.
Kamal Haasan stated, “In times of crisis, responsibility towards the nation should outweigh any political differences.” He recalled former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s words that governments may come and go, but the country must endure. During the 1962 India-China war, citizens even donated their gold for the nation. Similarly, in 1965, during a food crisis, former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri urged people to skip one meal a week.
He added, “While we may not need such significant sacrifices today, individuals can still contribute greatly through small responsibilities. If previous generations made such sacrifices for the country, can we not make minor efforts like conserving energy?”
In his video, Haasan also praised certain policies of the central government, highlighting India’s rapid advancements in solar and wind energy in recent years. Increased investment in coal gasification, renewable energy, and nuclear power is a positive step for the future. Reducing dependence on foreign oil and gas is crucial for the nation’s economic strength.
He urged, “We should not only expect sacrifices from the common people. I request Prime Minister Modi to convene a national meeting with all Chief Ministers. The central and state governments should work together to reduce taxes on petrol and diesel and lower fares for buses, trains, and metros to encourage public transport usage. Every liter of fuel and every unit of electricity saved today will strengthen the future of India.”
Haasan concluded by stating that if the nation unites to face this crisis, India will emerge stronger from this challenging period. He captioned the video, “India has previously overcome wars, shortages, and various crises through unity and collective sacrifice. We need that same national spirit once again.”
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