Is Tobacco Just an Addiction or a Poison? Delhi Speaker Vijender Gupta Leads Walkathon on World No-Tobacco Day in Rohini

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Public awareness is crucial in combating tobacco use.
- Educational initiatives can help change perceptions among the youth.
- Healthcare professionals play a key role in advocacy and support.
- Community involvement enhances the effectiveness of awareness campaigns.
- Quitting tobacco significantly reduces health risks.
New Delhi, May 31 (NationPress) In celebration of World No-Tobacco Day, the Rohini region of Delhi experienced a significant display of public awareness and health advocacy through a walkathon aimed at conveying the message against tobacco use.
The initiative, themed 'Walk for Life', united healthcare professionals, community leaders, and local residents in a unified stand against the detrimental effects of tobacco.
Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta, who inaugurated the walkathon, shared a compelling message regarding the hazards of tobacco. “Tobacco is not merely an addiction; it is a poison,” he stated, addressing the audience. “It is a perilous habit that devastates lives, and the only viable method to tackle it is through ongoing awareness and education,” he further remarked.
Coordinated by the Indian Medical Association alongside the Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre, the event attracted enthusiastic involvement from doctors, healthcare professionals, and members of the community.
The walkathon aimed to enhance awareness, particularly among the youth, concerning the health risks linked to tobacco, including its direct association with life-threatening illnesses such as cancer.
“The younger generation frequently perceives smoking and tobacco use as trendy, but we must assist them in recognizing the long-lasting repercussions,” Gupta emphasized, calling for collective action to address the increasing trend of tobacco consumption among the youth.
Dr. Sudhir Rawal, Medical Director at the Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute, spoke at the event, highlighting the medical ramifications: “Tobacco is one of the primary preventable causes of cancer. By abstaining from tobacco, you substantially lower your risk of developing cancer, particularly lung and oral cancer.”
The event also included health-oriented activities, such as group exercises and educational presentations, to foster a more engaging and impactful experience for participants.
As part of a nationwide initiative, the Rohini walkathon served as a vital reminder of the necessity of quitting tobacco and promoting healthier, smoke-free lifestyles.