DIMAPUR — Various medical institutions and schools across Nagaland observed ‘World No Tobacco Day’ on Wednesday on the theme “We need food, not tobacco.”
The day is observed every year on May 31 to inform the public on the dangers of using tobacco and to fight against the use of tobacco products. It is also intended to draw attention to the widespread prevalence of tobacco use and to negative health effects, which currently lead to more than 8 million deaths each year worldwide.
Mokokchung: District Tobacco Control Cell, Mokokchung, observed ‘World No Tobacco Day’ at Senayangba Government Higher Secondary School. Tobacco-free youth campaign as well as tobacco-free school and tobacco-free home was launched on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion Dr. Sentirenla Jamir, junior dental surgeon at IMDH, spoke on ill effects of tobacco use with the aid of an audio-visual presentation. She highlighted on the life threatening diseases connected with tobacco use and encouraged the audience to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Nukshiwati Longchar, NTCP district consultant, made a presentation on the legal aspects of COPTA Act 2003.
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To mark the occasion, an essay writing and video making competition was conducted, wherein Tiamenla of class 12 (Science) won the first prize, while Meputiba of class 12 (Art) won the 2nd prize and Kikumsungla of class 9 won the 3rd prize. In the video making competition, the first prize was won by team Blooming Girls and the second prize was won by team Eruption.
The students and staff also took a pledge on ‘No tobacco’ on the occasion.
Longleng: Longleng district observed ‘World No Tobacco Day’ at the auditorium of Bautung Government Higher Secondary School.
Dr. Bongau, Phom, NTCP district nodal officer, presented on the diseases cause by tobacco use through a powerpoint presentation.
The special guest and Longleng superintendent of police, Dr. Pritpal Kaur Batra, challenged all the participants to fight against the menace of tobacco, while the SDO (C), Trongdiba Sangtam encouraged the gathering to inculcate a habit not to litter tobacco product wasted.
The CMO of Longleng, Dr. Tiasunep urged the parents to set good example as children learn directly from their actions, while the EAC of Longleng, Dr. Samuel Akho Konyak P, sought cooperation from all civil society, organisations, head of offices, schools, business establishments and wards in the fight against the menace.
Six schools were declared tobacco-free.
State Tobacco Control Cell, National Tobacco Control programme Nagaland celebrated #WorldNoTabaccoDay at Kevilhouu Rio Auditorium, G. Rio School Kohima on 31st May 2023 with Special Guest @kikhetosema Commissioner & Secretary Health & Family Department Nagaland.@dipr_nagaland pic.twitter.com/2wd6dxF49K
— MyGov Nagaland (@MyGovNagaland) May 31, 2023
Tuensang: The Tuensang district legal services authority (TDLSA), in collaboration with district tobacco control cell and Assam Rifles, observed ‘World No Tobacco Day’ at Town hall in Tuensang.
TDLSA panel lawyer, B Yemlong Chaba, has highlighted on legal aspects of COTPA Act 2003 and tobacco products prohibition under section 4-9 of tobacco Act.
The junior dental surgeon at District Hoispital Tuensang, Dr. Aoyanger, made a powerpoint presentation on the effects of tobacco and the significance of the day, while Dr. Firdous Ahmad from 7 dental unit of Assam Rifles spoke on how to quit tobacco its benefits.
To mark the occasion, a painting competition was also conducted wherein Shilula T of class 12 (Arts) won the first prize, while Anden Maoke and Sangliba T Sangtam of class 12 (Arts) won the second and third prizes respectively.
Zunheboto: The District Tobacco Control Cell (DTCC), Zunheboto, observed ‘World No Tobacco Day’ at Zunheboto Goverment College with Vishal Chauhan, superintendent of police, as the guest of honour.
Speaking on the occasion, Chauhan stated that it should be the responsibility of every citizen to eradicate consumption of tobacco products from the society. He has appreciated NTCP for their efforts in their fight against tobacco. He further encouraged the students to be ambassador in making tobacco-free society.
He also officially launched a 60-day tobacco-free camp.
Certificates and prizes were presented to the tobacco-free schools and institutions during the programme.
IEC materials were distributed to the participants.
LFHSS: Tobacco-free club of Little Flower Higher Secondary School in Kohima celebrated World Tobacco Day in the school premises with its assistant teacher Dr. Narotola Imchen as the speaker.
Speaking at the programme, Dr. Imchen stated that tobacco and drugs causes many diseases. She has emphasised to understand the underlying factors such as socio economic disparities, peer pressure, lack of education and awareness, trauma, mental health issues, and easy access to drugs and tobacco to effectively address drug abuse and tobacco.
She stated that education plays a pivotal role in equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions and resist the temptation of drugs and tobacco. She further mentioned that use of tobacco and drugs are leading cause of preventable disease.
The school’s principal, Sr. Lucy Gangmei,also spoke on the occasion.
After the programme, the 21 students along with the club teacher in-charge undertook a surprise check near the school.
GMS Bayavü: Government Middle School (GMS) at Bayavü observed World No Tobacco Day in the school premises, wherein the head teacher, Kikruneinuo Liezietsu, shared the objective of the day and highlighted on the theme.
The resource person, Teisovilie, shared on the ill-effects of tobacco usage in the form of smoking and chewing. He encouraged the students to build willpower to fight against use of tobacco products.
Students also took a pledge to never chew or smoke tobacco products and also motivate others to do the same and make the school campus tobacco-free zone.
DAN: Children’s Parliament Initiative under the aegis of Development Association of Nagaland (DAN) observed World No Tobacco Day at St. John’s School, Diphupar ‘B’ with Dr. Arihant Jain, consultant of orthodontist at Faith Hospital, as the speaker.
Speaking at the programme, Dr. Arihant stated that tobacco is available in many forms and the effect of tobacco consumption is first seen in the mouth of a person.
“The government should ban the sale of tobacco products instead of just putting the pictures of the effects of tobacco consumption in the packets,” Dr. Arihant said.
Stating that “The eyes are the light of the body and smile is an asset of the personality of a person,” the school headed, Johnny Abraham, advised the students not to ruin their smile because of tobacco consumption.
A skit on ‘Tobacco kills’ and a demonstration on the harmful effects of tobacco were presented by the Children’s Parliament of the school.
After the programme, the students took out a procession in the vicinity of the school with slogans and posters.
MGM School: Poem recitation, speeches, songs and play to disseminate the anti-tobacco message marked ‘World No Tobacco Day’ at MGM Higher Secondary School.
The school’s principal, Reji Abraham, in his speech, mentioned that it is the stupidity of man to use tobacco and later get addicted to it. He added that consumption of tobacco products is a door to enter into drugs and alcohol.
He, therefore, urged the students to abstain from the use of tobacco but instead help the school authorities and teachers to spot the tobacco users in the school in order to correct them at the right time.
The ‘No Tobacco Day’ pledge was administered by the principal.
