Bhopal, 30 May (H.S.) : This year also, with the support of the state government in Madhya Pradesh, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities will organize awareness programs on tobacco and anti-addiction activities on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day in all the districts of the state. In which there will be active participation of students, youth, voluntary organizations and various departments.

Actually, the theme that has come this time on World No Tobacco Day is “Tobacco is a slow poison, prevention is wisdom”. Keeping this in mind, all the programs have been prepared in the state. In this regard, Principal Secretary Social Justice and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Sonali Vayankar informed that this year, in a series of programmes based on the theme of the World Health Organization Exposing lies, protecting lives: Unmask the appeal of tobacco and nicotine products, the society will be made aware of the ill effects of tobacco through Prabhatpheri, marathon, rangoli, street plays and songs and music in each district.

Along with this, she said that in the main function organized in the state capital Bhopal, school children will give the message of prevention from serious diseases like cancer, TB and heart disease through colourful programmes. Also, wall painting and poster exhibition based on the ill effects of tobacco consumption will also be organised. Also, the message of de-addiction and the National De-addiction Helpline number 14446 is also being promoted through banners and hoardings at major intersections and public places in the city. This will provide proper guidance to the people wishing to quit addiction.

Principal Secretary Mrs. Vainkar also said that the district administration will take action to ban the sale of paan-gutka at shops, especially within 100 meters of schools and colleges. At the same time, efforts are being made to develop a deep understanding of the subject among students through painting, essay writing and speech competitions organized in summer camps. The entries of these activities organized across the state will be uploaded on the NMBA mobile app, weblink developed by the Government of India, the information of which will be sent to the Directorate by the districts.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Mayank Chaturvedi