Mangaluru: Nestled between the Arabian Sea and the Phalguni River, the coastal village of Bengre has stood out for more than three decades as a rare example of a community that has voluntarily remained free from alcohol. With no liquor shops or bars operating in the area, the village has sustained a self-imposed ban on the sale of alcohol for the past 30 years, driven by strong community participation and leadership.
Origins of the anti-alcohol movement
The movement against alcohol in Bengre began in 1994, led by Dhananjaya Putran Bengre, the former president of the Bengre Mahajana Sabha and a respected member of the fishing community. At the time, the village had five government-licensed liquor shops as well as several illicit brewing units operating in different localities.
Dhananjaya took a public pledge against liquor sales in the village, a step that later evolved into a collective movement. Speaking about the initiative, he recalled that the pledge was taken in the presence of community members at the Mahavishnu Sheshashayana Bhajana Mandir, marking a turning point in the village’s social history.
Women lead the call for change
The initial push for the ban came from women belonging to the Mogaveera and Karvi communities. Concerned about increasing instances of domestic disputes linked to alcohol consumption, they approached village elders and community leaders seeking decisive action.
Their appeal highlighted the social and economic impact of alcohol abuse on families, particularly in a fishing-dependent community where income is often seasonal and uncertain. The women urged leaders to curb liquor sales to address domestic violence and financial instability.
Community-driven enforcement
Bengre has over 500 households, and ensuring widespread support was crucial for the success of the movement. The Bengre Mahajana Sabha organised multiple meetings with those running liquor outlets and illicit distilleries, focusing on dialogue rather than confrontation. These meetings aimed to create awareness about the harmful effects of alcohol on health, family life, and the community at large.
Through persistent engagement and collective pressure, all five licensed liquor shops were shut down, and illegal brewing units were dismantled. Some residents who were selling beer locally were also persuaded to stop the practice.
Dhananjaya noted that the ban was enforced across all four localities—Tota Bengre, Kasba Bengre, Kudroli Bengre, and Bokkapatna Bengre—ensuring uniformity and preventing the re-emergence of liquor sales in pockets.
Education and social progress
Residents believe the long-term benefits of the alcohol ban are visible across generations. With reduced spending on alcohol, families have been able to prioritise education and household welfare. A woman from the Tota Bengre fishing community pointed out that literacy levels in the village now exceed 95 per cent.
She added that the village is home to several graduates and even double degree holders, a significant achievement for a community where fishing remains the primary occupation. Parents, she said, are more focused on ensuring stable futures for their children, a shift attributed largely to the absence of alcohol-related disruptions.
Tobacco sales also discouraged
The village’s commitment to healthy living extends beyond alcohol. Residents have collectively opposed the sale of tobacco products as well. Most local shops, especially in Tota Bengre, have voluntarily stopped selling tobacco.
Community members impose fines on those found violating the informal ban, reinforcing social accountability. Shopkeepers comply with the decision, acknowledging that collective well-being takes precedence over short-term profits.
A model of collective responsibility
What makes Bengre’s experience unique is the absence of formal enforcement by authorities. The ban has been sustained purely through social consensus, community vigilance, and shared values. Elders, women’s groups, and youth all play a role in ensuring that the norms are respected.
Residents say peer pressure and community pride act as strong deterrents against violations. New generations have grown up seeing an alcohol-free environment as the norm rather than an exception.
Conclusion
Bengre’s three-decade-long commitment to remaining alcohol-free stands as a powerful example of what sustained community action can achieve. By addressing social issues through dialogue, inclusion, and shared responsibility, the village has not only curbed substance use but also improved education, harmony, and quality of life. As debates around substance abuse continue across the country, Bengre offers a compelling case study in grassroots social reform.