Social worker urges people to observe Independence Day as 'freedom from tobacco' day

GADCHIROLI: A city based social worker has called upon people to observe 'freedom from tobacco' on this year's Independence Day.

"Freedom from Britishers has now become an old thing. Every year a new colour should be added into it (Independence Day). That gives newer meaning to independence and creates an enthusiasm among the people. This year's August 15 should therefore be observed as a 'Freedom from Tobacco Day'," NGO SEARCH founder Dr Abhay Bang said in a statement.

Listing the ill effects of tobacco, Bang said 35 per cent adults in India consume tobacco. Based on a study conducted by the NGO he said that even in the poverty ridden and backward district of Maharashtra's Gadchiroli, this percentage stood at 60.

Tobacco, kharra, gutkha, bidi, cigarettes and other items like flavoured nuts and paan masala cause dreaded disease like cancer and also increase the risk of heart attack, paralysis and blood pressure, Bang said.

The Maharashtra government has banned sale of flavoured tobacco and supari-mixed products. In Gadchiroli, its implementation and a campaign against tobacco has also been started, he said. People should commit themselves to free Maharashtra from tobacco on this Independence Day by shunning its consumption and encouraging others also in this regard, he added.

The SEARCH (Society for Education, Action and Research in Community Health) had earlier run a successful campaign against liquor consumption in Gadchiroli.