Pankaj Nath, Assam: World No Tobacco Day was observed in Nagaon, Assam on Sunday with the joint efforts of the District Administration and District Tobacco Control Fund and the District Legal Services Authority. The programme started with an awareness rally from Nagaon University Chowk in the morning, which was inaugurated by District Commissioner Debashish Sharma. In his inaugural address, the District Commissioner said that tobacco is despicable to our society. He said that it often starts with gutkha consumption, which can then lead to cigarettes, bidi and in some cases, drugs.
In such a situation, it is imperative to stop the use of tobacco for the progress of the society. The Deputy Commissioner asked everyone present to not only take a pledge to abstain from tobacco themselves, but also to calmly take an oath to make others understand about the harmful effects of tobacco. He then led the rally himself through the major thoroughfares of Nagaon town. After the rally, the meeting held in the conference hall of the university was addressed by several speakers including Jagat Das, Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, Dr. Smitakshi Phukan, in-charge of District Tobacco Control Fund, Acting Vice-Chancellor of Nagaon University Dhrubajyoti Barua, Tezpur Cancer Centre Superintendent Dr. D.J. Bora and District Information and Public Relations Officer Bikash Sharma . Dr. Smitakshi Phukan clearly explained the various aspects of tobacco related laws and their compliance. Dr. D.J. Bora gave scientific and authentic information about cancer and other health risks caused by tobacco through a PowerPoint presentation, which deeply impressed the audience present. All the speakers emphasized the need for community cooperation, education, and legal strictures to prevent tobacco use.
During the program, the winners of the composition competition organized among the students of the school on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day were honored with prizes. The district administration appealed to the people to abstain from tobacco themselves, make children and youth aware of this danger and ensure compliance of the rules so that a healthy and aware society can be built.
