Why Is Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta Advocating for a Tobacco-Free Delhi?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Tobacco addiction is a preventable epidemic.
- Community engagement is essential for long-term changes.
- Awareness and education can help eliminate tobacco's influence.
- Youth leadership is vital in creating a tobacco-free culture.
- New recreational centers support senior citizens' dignity.
New Delhi, May 31 (NationPress) The Speaker of the Delhi Legislative Assembly, Vijender Gupta, emphasized the critical necessity for a coordinated public health initiative to address the perils of tobacco use.
“Tobacco addiction represents a preventable epidemic that continues to devastate lives and strain families. Through awareness, education, and community engagement, we must unite to eradicate its influence on our society,” he stated, during the observance of World No Tobacco Day.
Gupta also spearheaded the ‘Walk for Life – Quit Tobacco’ campaign, organized collaboratively by the Delhi Medical Association and the Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre (RGCIRC).
The event, which took place at Gate No. 8, Metro Walk, Rohini, drew enthusiastic participation from medical practitioners, civic organizations, local residents, students, and volunteers.
While addressing the crowd, Gupta commended the organizers for exemplifying the principles of ethics, empathy, and excellence in advocating for preventive healthcare.
The Speaker underscored the importance of civic involvement in promoting sustainable behavioral changes and encouraged young people to spearhead the movement towards a tobacco-free culture.
“Regulation alone is insufficient — true transformation occurs when individuals actively choose to reject tobacco for their health and the well-being of their loved ones,” he noted.
The event culminated in a ceremonial pledge led by Gupta, where participants renewed their commitment to a tobacco-free lifestyle.
This walk conveyed a powerful message of unity against tobacco and a call to action for healthier communities throughout Delhi.
Earlier this week, Gupta inaugurated three new recreational centers for senior citizens in the Rohini Assembly Constituency, emphasizing that seniors deserve to live with dignity.
He remarked that their extensive life experiences are invaluable assets to society that should be utilized meaningfully.
The newly established centers, located at Pocket A3 DDA Flats in Sector-8, and Ramakrishna Apartments and Mayur Apartments in Sector-9, were constructed using the MLA Local Area Development Fund (MLALAD).