Anti-Tobacco Awareness Session

An Anti-Tobacco Awareness Session was organised at Parle Tilak Vidyalaya English Medium School for the students of Standard 10 by the school’s Interact Club in 13th August, 2025. The objective was to educate students about the dangers of tobacco use, its harmful effects on the human body, and the importance of making healthy lifestyle choices.

The Chief Guest, Dr. Vikram Sanghvi, was introduced by the Club’s President, Miss Asmi Shetiya. Dr. Sanghvi gave an in-depth presentation on the ill effects of tobacco. He explained that tobacco, introduced to India by the Portuguese in the 17th century, is consumed in various forms such as smoking, chewing, inhaling, and applying on teeth or gums. He highlighted that tobacco contains nicotine, a highly addictive substance that causes severe health problems.

Alarming statistics were shared – tobacco kills 112 users every hour, with over one million deaths annually in India alone. As the second-largest tobacco-producing country, India bears a heavy burden of tobacco-related diseases. Dr. Sanghvi explained that tobacco affects nearly every part of the body, leading to mouth and lung cancer, vision distortion, heart attacks, mood disorders, and premature death. He also stressed the risk to non-smokers, with 1.6 billion people worldwide exposed to second-hand smoke each year.

Students were informed about World No Tobacco Day, celebrated on 31st May by the United Nations, which focuses on raising awareness through lectures, campaigns, and competitions in educational institutions. Dr. Sanghvi urged students to participate actively in the Anti-Tobacco Drive, reminding them that every step against tobacco contributes to a healthier, smoke-free future.

The talk concluded with a strong message: Tobacco kills – whether smoked, chewed, inhaled, or applied. A vote of thanks was proposed by the Club’s Secretary, Miss Sthira Divekar. Students were inspired to spread awareness among their peers and family members, and a pledge to stay away from tobacco and protect their health was taken. We express our gratitude to Mrs. Radhika Dalal and Mrs. Mithilesh Singh for organising and ensuring the smooth conduct of the programme.