Agartala, May 31, 2023, TRIPURATIMES Desk

Agartala May 31: The World No Tobacco Day is celebrated every year on May 31, to spread awareness among the common people about the dangerous effects of tobacco consumption.

Inaugurating the District Level Observance program of ‘World No Tobacco Day 2023’ at the Agnibina Auditorium, Jirania, Minister of Transport and Tourism Sushanta Choudhury shared his opinion on the importance of observing this day while urging the common masses to spread exclusive awareness against usage of tobacco.

He said, “Since 1987, May 31 is celebrated as World No Tobacco Day by World Health Organization (WHO) with an aim to draw global attention to the results of tobacco addiction”.

“Smoking is said to be the gateway of drug addiction. By consuming tobacco, the young generation is turning to drugs and later becoming a burden to their families apart from being subjected to various health hazards”, he added.

Choudhury further said, “Only a healthy population can build a prosperous state and country. And to achieve this, awareness among people of every section especially the youths must be spread”.

“Our country and state have laws to strengthen anti-tobacco promotion from the school level. There are various types of warnings, messages, wall writings in every educational institution. Sale or consumption of tobacco products is strictly prohibited near various school campuses. There are penalties for breaking that law. But smokers or tobacco lovers can be seen showing their thumbs towards these rules. It is extremely shameful and I regret it when I see cigarettes and other tobacco products sold at the tip of the nose of various schools! Stopping tobacco use outside the school gates is not only impossible for the teachers, but also impossible for the administration alone.it can only be done by organized resistance of students”, said Choudhury.

Dignitaries including Chairperson of Jirania Nagar Panchayat Ratan Das, Vice Chairperson Rita Das, SDM Jirania Shanti Ranjan Chakma, Dr. Debashish Das, Convener of the program and Chief Health Officer of West District among others remained present at the day’s program.