NEW DELHI: An Indian company on Thursday said it had sent 6,000 green tea bags to White House hopeful Donald Trump, believing they would help him to become “smarter” and cleanse his soul.

The unusual gift — which equals four years supply if drunk four times a day — was from Kolkata-based Te-a-Me Teas, its executive director Sumit Shah told AFP.

Shah also said the company had set up a website — www.teafortrump.com — where people could tweet a message to Trump and urge him to drink the tea daily.

“We firmly believe green tea can do a lot of good to people. We thought green tea will help him [Trump] cleanse his mind, body and soul,” he said.

“Green tea is also proven to make people smarter. So our message is, please Mr Trump drink the tea. For your sake, for America's sake, for the world's sake.”

Trump, a political novice and a real estate tycoon, has riled critics with his radical views on Muslims and immigrants during an often vitriolic presidential campaign.

Next week, Trump is set to be formally nominated to run against his Democratic rival, former secretary of state Hillary Clinton.

The Indian tea company said it wanted to instil responsible leadership among famous personalities across the world and denied the move was a publicity gimmick.

“We don't even sell in the US. I guess with Trump it's just about the timing (of our gesture),” Shah said.

Opinion

In defamation’s name

In defamation’s name

It provides yet more proof that the undergirding logic of public authority in Pakistan is legal and extra-legal coercion rather than legitimised consent.

Editorial

Mercury rising
Updated 27 May, 2024

Mercury rising

Each of the country's leaders is equally responsible for the deep pit Pakistan seems to have fallen into.
Antibiotic overuse
27 May, 2024

Antibiotic overuse

ANTIMICROBIAL resistance is an escalating crisis claiming some 700,000 lives annually in Pakistan. It is the third...
World Cup team
27 May, 2024

World Cup team

PAKISTAN waited until the very end to name their T20 World Cup squad. Even then, there was last-minute drama. Four...
ICJ rebuke
Updated 26 May, 2024

ICJ rebuke

The reason for Israel’s criminal behaviour is that it is protected by its powerful Western friends.
Hot spells
26 May, 2024

Hot spells

WITH Pakistan already dealing with a heatwave that has affected 26 districts since May 21, word from the climate...
Defiant stance
26 May, 2024

Defiant stance

AT a time when the country is in talks with the IMF for a medium-term loan crucial to bolstering the fragile ...