In the year 1839, the Emperor of China gave Lin Zexu special powers to stop opium.
Many countries of the world are in the grip of drugs. An entire generation is being destroyed. America has taken action against many countries in recent times to stop drugs. Many have also been threatened. India also faces the challenge of drugs. Come, let us know an inspiring story from China on the occasion of International Day against drug abuse and illegal trafficking. Because of which the United Nations approved June 26 as this international day.
There are three parts to this story. India, Britain and China. The story starts in the 19th century. This is a struggle for trade and power between China, India and Britain. The British started opium cultivation on the agricultural land of India. Forced the farmers. Started selling opium to China in exchange for tea. Within a few years, China’s youth were in the grip of drugs. The entire social fabric started deteriorating. Then the king ordered one of his strong officers, Lin Zexu, to deal with this problem and also gave him complete freedom. Because of his action, Lynn’s name went down in history.
How did the British transport opium to China?
The British East India Company controlled the cultivation of opium in India. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the company made Bengal and Bihar of India the center of opium production. Indian farmers were forced to grow opium. The opium prepared here was sent to China from the ports of Calcutta, due to which the British earned huge profits. On the other hand, in China an entire generation was being destroyed through opium. Initially the problem was personal.
The British raised a huge amount of money through opium. Photo: AI Image
Gradually it became a national crisis. Farmers’ crops were badly affected. The youth could not work. Social and economic balance started breaking down. The government’s treasury also became weak. Both people’s lives and families were completely affected. Within a few years, the situation became such that even the government realized that this single thing would destroy the country. Then an action plan to deal with it was prepared.
Lin Zexu carried out the campaign
In the year 1839, the Emperor of China gave Lin Zexu special powers to stop opium. Lin was an educated and strict civil servant. He decided that the opium trade would not be tolerated. His goal was clear. He wanted to save the people of China at any cost. Lynn was the first to conduct raids in the cities. Opium consignments were seized. British and other foreign businessmen were strictly interrogated. Lin also targeted corrupt officials and smugglers. He ran a public campaign. People were told about the dangers of drugs.
Lin Zexu.Photo: Wikimedia Commons
The process of destroying opium started again
When Lin decided that the seized opium was to be destroyed, some people suggested burning it. Which Lynn did not accept. His argument was that if the fire was lit, its smoke could also spread intoxication. He dug three big trenches on the seashore. The bricks of opium were mixed with lime and salt water so that they completely disintegrate and then the mixture was thrown into the sea. This process continued continuously for a total of 23 days. Lin Zexu started this work of destroying opium on 3 June 1839 and finished it on 25 June. In honor of this historical event and to show global solidarity against drugs, the United Nations declared June 26 as International Day in 1987.
China had destroyed opium on a large scale. Photo: Pexels
Lin Zexu’s famous letter
Lin Zexu wrote a letter to Britain’s Queen Victoria. In this letter he had asked a very logical question. Lin wrote – If opium consumption is banned in Britain then why are you selling it to the people of China? It is said that this letter was never allowed to reach the Queen, but it reflects Lin’s morality. And after this, a conflict started between Britain and China which lasted for about three years and China had to lose a lot in this.
Angered Britain and the world witnessed the first opium war
The British had great interest in this trade. It was a source of huge profits for them. Lynn’s action caused huge losses to British traders. Angered by this, Britain took military action. This war lasted for about three years i.e. 1839-1842. The world knows this as the first Opium War. China suffered a lot from this war. Compromises had to be made. Even the control of Hong Kong had to be given to Britain, but after losing all this, what China achieved was freedom from drug addiction among the youth, the benefit of which China is taking advantage of till today.
China still calls its defeat a century of humiliation
After this bravery of Lin, when China lost the war, it had to make the Treaty of Nanjing, which is called an unequal treaty in the history of China. From here began the era of China which they call the century of humiliation. Even today, Lin Zexu is considered a great national hero in China. He has a strong presence because of his decisive decisions against opium.
Lin Zexu’s policies and humanitarian initiatives
Lynn was not just punishing. He demanded treatment for people affected by drug addiction. Necessary arrangements were made for this. He laid emphasis on public education. Local enlightened people and families were made aware. The purpose of his policies was not just punishment. This was to fix the society and secure the future.
Global context and the game of business
The Opium Wars also show how trade and power are intertwined. One country’s crop and another’s policy destroyed a third country. This history became a lesson for many countries. International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is celebrated across the world every year on 26 June. This day raises awareness against drugs and illegal trafficking. Lin Zexu’s actions continue to inspire today. This shows that policy will can bring about big change.
Importance of leaders like Lin in today’s times
In today’s time, smuggling of synthetic drugs and through the dark web has made this fight more difficult. The story of Lin Zexu teaches us that unless the cycle of demand and supply is strictly broken, society cannot be secured.
Drugs need to be looked at on a broader map
Drugs are not just a personal problem. This is a socio-economic problem. Law, education and treatment, all three are necessary. International cooperation is also necessary. It should not happen that for someone’s benefit the people of another country suffer. We have to focus on youth education. De-addiction centers will have to be increased. Smuggling routes will have to be closely monitored. Look at crime and health separately but it is time to look at both together.
Lin Zexu’s step is a symbol of sacrifice and courage in history. He showed that one person and one government can bring about a big change. We still learn from that courage even today. The fight against drugs requires both decision and humanity. This story reminds us that it is important to be alert for a safe society.
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