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DIMAPUR — Health department and educational institutions across Nagaland observed “World No Tobacco Day’ on Friday on the theme "Protecting children from tobacco industry interference."
Besides administering anti-tobacco pledge, various activities such as poster and drawing competitions among the students were organised to create awareness.
‘World No Tobacco Day; is celebrated annually on May 31 to spread awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use and encourage people, who are addicted to get rid of the toxic and addictive substance.
Mokokchung: The Mokokchung District Tobacco Control Cell (DTCC) observed ‘World No Tobacco Day’ at Straightway Higher Secondary School by organising competitions on poster and essay writing.
The theme speaker and NTCP district consultant, Nukshiwati, stated that tobacco industry influences and interferes with young people spending around 8 billion dollars a year on various forms of advertising by using deceptive marketing tactics like digital and social media advertising.
In the essay writing competition, Tiajungla Pongen of class 11 A, Temsunenla of class 11 B, and Nungshisungla Longkumtsur of class 12 A were declared first, second and third winners respectively.
In the posters competition, Gai Thaw Chaw of class 8, Imsongmeren Imsong of class 8 and Shilumongla of class 8 were declared first, second and third winners respectively.
Cash prizes along with certificates were presented to the winners.
Students were also administered anti-tobacco pledge.
Longleng: The Longleng District Tobacco Control Cell (DTCC) observed ‘World No Tobacco Day’ at Government High School (GHS), Namching.
An update from the office of the chief medical officer (CMO), Longleng, stated that Dr. Nichukholie Vupru, NTCP district nodal officer, made a powerpoint presentation on the theme. He emphasised on the various forms of advertising and deceptive marketing tactics adopted by the tobacco companies to lure and target young potential consumers.
The officer sensitised the students on the harmful effects of tobacco and cautioned them not to be victims of the advertisement presented through social media platforms about electronic tobacco products like e-cigarette.
Tseminyu: The Tseminyu District Tobacco Control Cell (DTCC) observed ‘World No Tobacco Day’ at New Sendenyu Village with the director of Health (Dental), Dr. Meribeni Odyuo, as the special guest.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Odyuo highlighted tactics of tobacco industry to attract young children and sought collective effort to protect children from harmful effects of tobacco consumption.
“We need to educate children on the dangers, enforce strong tobacco control policy, engage people at all levels, parent to children advocacy, complete ban on tobacco and youth advocacy,” she said and further urged students to stay free from tobacco.
Dr. Arenla Walling, joint director and NTCP state nodal officer, declared New Sendenyu Village as tobacco-free village and GPS New Sendenyu and Binzen Pre-School as tobacco-free schools during the event.
The certificates were given away by special guest and guest of honour.
The EAC of Tsogim, Ruokuosetuo Tetso, and the president New Sendenyu Village Mothers’ Association, Shewsenle Kent, also spoke on the occasion.
Mon: Mon district under the aegis of National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) observed ‘World No Tobacco Day’ at Sacred Heart School in Mon town with the deputy commissioner of Mon, Ajit Kumar Verma, as the guest of honour.
Speaking on the occasion, Verma reminded the maxim ‘Prevention is better than cure’ and advised the students not to start the habit of using tobacco. He stated that tobacco is the one product that has caused maximum damage to the society.
On the occasion, eight schools were declared tobacco-free, while the first time in Mon district a total 53 homes were declared as tobacco-free homes.
The theme speaker and senior medical officer at District Hospital, Mon, Dr. Aman Konyak, spoke on the harmful effects of tobacco to the body and the tactics the tobacco industry uses to lure the children and young people.
NTCP district nodal officer, Dr. Esther Chophy Ngully, administered the anti-tobacco pledge.
Tuensang: Tuensang district observed ‘World No Tobacco Day’ at Government Higher Secondary School in Tuensang town with the medical superintendent of District Hospital, Tuensang, Dr. Puse Liegise, as the guest of honour.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Liegise called upon the student to stay away from tobacco and to be disciplined. He also encouraged the students to work hard in whatever they do to achieve success in life.
NTCP district nodal officer, Dr. O Daisy Ovung, made a powerpoint presentation on impact of tobacco, tobacco industry tactics, digital and social media advertising, child level advertising, flavoured products, sleek concealable design, cartoon characters, single cigarettes, vending machines and interest sales.
A painting competition was also conducted in 8 different schools and the winners are awarded cash prizes along with certificates.
Around 600 students including teachers from GHSS Thangjam, GHSS Hakushang GHS, St. John Higher Secondary School, St. Joseph’s School, Bethesda School, Holy Angel and Trinity Academy School attended the programme.
Kiphire: Kiphire district observed ‘World No Tobacco Day’ with students from different schools at the conference hall of the District Hospital, Kiphire, with the EAC of Kiphire, Kudazo Swuro, as the special guest.
Speaking at the event, Swuro spoke about the impact of tobacco on health and called upon the people to adopt healthy lifestyle free from tobacco.
The theme speaker and junior dental surgeon at DHK, Dr. Wekhrou Mero, shared the statistics and the risks associated with tobacco to health. She also shared how tobacco companies are improvising their marketing strategies to lure young people to use tobacco.
Vithalietou Kire, officer in-charge of police station, spoke on COTPA Act. He also shared about his experience, peer pressures during teenage years and the ill effects of tobacco.
During the programme, certificates and prizes were distributed to the students who won the painting and essay competition held on May 29 conducted by the NTCP.
Four schools in Kiphire town, which were declared as tobacco-free, were also awarded with certificates.
UCHSS: Teachers and students of Unity Christian Higher Secondary School (UCHSS) in Diphupar undertook a peaceful rally to create awareness on the harmful effect of tobacco consumption on occasion of ‘World No Tobacco Day.’
The silent and peaceful rally culminated with a pledge by signing on ‘No to tobacco’ banner.
The school also conducted poster-making and screened video clips relating to the theme for the students of lower classes to spread awareness among them.
RJHSS: Teachers and students of Ram Janaki Higher Secondary School, Dimapur, observed ‘World No Tobacco Day’ during the school assembly aimed at fostering a healthier, tobacco-free environment for the students.
The event was marked by competitions in drawing and poster display etc.
SJS Diphupar ‘B’: Saint John School in Diphupar ‘B’ under Chümoukedima celebrated ‘World No Tobacco Day’ coinciding with its first-ever watermelon festival at the school premises.
The special guest, Regina Kithan, who is also the programme lead of the Morung Project under DAN, spoke on the theme highlighting its observance and raising awareness among students about the deadly effects of tobacco use. She encouraged students to take a pledge against tobacco and initiate awareness efforts with their parents at home.
The school captain, Longo, administered the pledge on ‘Say no to tobacco’ to the students.
During the watermelon festival, students highlighted the benefits of watermelon through various activities and competitions including melon art display, melon fancy dress, melon carving, toss, obstacles, poster making, board decoration and other games.
The festival was aimed at promoting consumption of fruits over tobacco, emphasising the refreshing and nutritious qualities of watermelon while discouraging harmful habits.
MGMHSS: MGM Higher Secondary School, Dimapur, observed ‘World No Tobacco Day’ at the school premises.
In a special message, the vice president of the school, Rev. Fr. Giju George enlightened the students on the ill effects of tobacco usage in the life of a student and also urged the students to stop indulging in such bad habits.
The school principal, Reji Abraham lamented as the observance of ‘World No Tobacco Day’ for several years could not bring much progress in reducing tobacco use among the people, especially the students. He urged students to abstain from the use of tobacco products and be an anti-tobacco warrior by enlightening others about the harmful effects of tobacco consumption.
The students presented a play based on the ill effects of tobacco use among school students, while a song was presented by Merijan of class 12 (Science).
The school captoion administered anti-tobacco pledge to all the students and staff members.