Hundreds of students send self-drawn anti-tobacco posters to PM
Students and youth today urged policymakers on National Youth Day to take robust measures to safeguard the health and well-being of the youth through strengthened tobacco control laws in India.
GUWAHATI: Students and youth today urged policymakers on National Youth Day to take robust measures to safeguard the health and well-being of the youth through strengthened tobacco control laws in India.
To celebrate National Youth Day, the Consumers' Legal Protection Forum, Assam, along with Consumer Voice, New Delhi, organised a poster competition on the theme "Say No to Tobacco" at Shankardev Vidya Niketan, Narengi, with the aim of inspiring creative expressions that resonate with the youth, encouraging them to reject tobacco and embrace a healthier lifestyle. More than hundreds of students from Shankardev Vidya Niketan, Narengi, and Guwahati participated in the poster competition and appealed to the government for a stronger tobacco control law for their well-being and a healthier future, as well as to contribute to Viksit Bharat. All the posters were sent to the PM office after the prize distribution programme.
Attending the programme, Advocate Ajoy Hazarika, secretary, Consumers' Legal Protection Forum, Assam, said, "Our commitment is rooted in the well-being of our youth. Strengthening tobacco control laws is not just a necessity; it's an imperative step towards securing a healthier future for the vibrant minds shaping India's tomorrow.
According to the Global Youth Tobacco Survey 2019 (GYTS 4), nearly one-fifth of students aged 13-15 use tobacco products in India. More than 29% of students exposed to second-hand smoke, as revealed by the National Fact Sheet Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS-4), India, 2019, released by the Union Health Minister, reported that 38% of cigarette, 47% of bidi, and 52% of smokeless tobacco users picked up the habit before their 10th birthday.
Noted social worker Subash Deka said in the programme, "One of the most formidable challenges faced by the younger generation is the adverse impact of tobacco consumption on their health. Smoking and chewing tobacco significantly escalate the risk of various health conditions, including respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, and multiple types of cancer. These health challenges not only diminish individuals' quality of life but also impose a substantial burden on the healthcare system'.
Vice Principal Shankardev Vidya Niketan Narengi, Guwahati, Sandhya Rani Chamuah, said, "The detrimental effects of tobacco use extend beyond physical health, negatively influencing the educational attainment and holistic development of young individuals. The addictive nature of smoking or using tobacco products can impede academic performance and concentration, affecting educational outcomes. Additionally, the financial strain associated with purchasing tobacco products diverts resources that could otherwise be invested in education and personal development." According to the Global Youth Tobacco Survey, India has the second-largest number (268 million) of tobacco users in the world, and of these, 13 lakh die every year from tobacco-related diseases.
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