‘Young Leaders Need To Be Agents Of Change’: Pravin Bakshi

A Correspondent

SHILLONG: World No Tobacco Day was observed at the KJP Conference Hall, Shillong on Friday. The programme was organized by the East Khasi Hills (Meghalaya) Nodal Office of the National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP) in association with National Program for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Heart Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS).

The programme was an effort to sensitise the students and government officials about the harmful effects of tobacco and the steps to curb this menace.

Health Secretary Pravin Bakshi highlighted the role of the government in controlling the tobacco menace in Meghalaya. He encouraged the school students, whom he addressed as a ‘Gathering of young leaders’, to be agents of change in the society.

Bakshi also said that the Health Department, in collaboration with the Education Department, will ensure that all the educational institutions of Meghalaya are declared as “Tobacco-free Educational Institutions”, which would be carried forward, with the students as ‘missionaries of change’. He also administered the pledge against tobacco.

I Majaw, Additional Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills, spoke about her experiences with tobacco users and how this menace has to be curbed. She also stressed on the need to curb the use of kwai (betel nut), which along with tobacco, increases the risk of cancer.

Dr Lana EL Nongbri, Nodal Officer, Meghalaya NTCP, enumerated the activities of the NTCP, including the signature campaign organised at Fire Brigade.

Dr Robert Marak, District Nodal Officer, NPCDCS, enumerated the technical aspects of how tobacco harms us. Dr Caleb Harris, surgical oncologist, NEIGRIHMS, stressed on the need for each and every member of the society to aid the Government in implementing the restrictions on tobacco.

Also read: Meghalaya news