CM appeals for public activism for a tobacco-free society

By our Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, August 12: Assam Chief Minister Sarbanda Sonowal appealed to all conscientious citizens to come forward and mobilize public activism towards making a tobacco free society.

Speaking at an awareness programme on Tobacco Free Assam on a theme ‘Save our Children’ held at the Central Hall of Assam Legislative Assembly in Dispur today, Sonowal sought activism from the society to generate awareness against tobacco and its associated health hazards.

Addressing the programme, Sonowal said, “Smoking is a challenge to humanity and it must be addressed with all intensity. Passive smoking is as dangerous as active smoking and everybody in the society including public representatives must take a pledge for a tobacco free society”.

Acknowledging the decision of the organizers for holding the programme at Assam Legislative Assembly, Sonowal said building a tobacco free society is the bounden duty for everyone and asked all MLAs and Ministers to take a proactive role and sensitise public representatives even at the gaon panchayat levels for generating awareness on it. He also urged all the bodies mandated to work for the people to organize awareness drive against tobacco.

Sonowal also said that everybody has a moral duty towards a tobacco free society and should work towards giving rise to an apparent disease free society which is a pre-condition to a healthy and bright future generation. The Chief Minister also exhorted the need for a ‘sigture campaign’ to mobilize public opinion so as to act as a deterrent to tobacco use.

Speaking in the function, Speaker, Assam Legislative Assembly Ranjeet Kumar Dass also laid stress on awareness at all levels for a tobacco free society.

Director of Dr. Bhubaneswar Borooah Cancer Institute Dr. Amal Kotoky also spoke at the programme which was organized by Healis-Sekhsaria Institute for Public Health, Tata Trusts in collaboration with Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute in association with the State Education Department.

Deputy Speaker of Assam Legislative Assembly Dilip Paul, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Chandra Mohan Patowary, Environment and Forest Minister Pramila Rani Brahma, PWD Minister Parimal Suklabaidya, Congress Legislature Party Leader Debarata Saikia, a host of MLAs and other dignitaries were present at the programme.