- Message given to youth and villagers to stay away from tobacco and drugs
On the occasion of World No Tobacco Day, a de-addiction and public awareness campaign was launched across the state to make people aware of the ill effects of tobacco and other drugs. In this sequence, the District Legal Services Authority, Surajpur, organized extensive awareness programs. The campaign was conducted under the guidance of Principal District Judge and Chairperson of the District Legal Services Authority, Surajpur, Mrs. Vinita Warner, and under the direction of Secretary, Ms. Payal Topno.
As part of the campaign, awareness programs, seminars, and public dialogues were organized in urban and rural areas to educate people about the ill effects of drug addiction. Paralegal volunteers stationed at police stations raised awareness about the serious illnesses and social consequences of tobacco use in various locations.
The main program was held at the drug de-addiction center in Surajpur and the village of Namadgiri, run by the Sabri Seva Sansthan. Awareness activities were also conducted in the Surajpur old age home, Ganeshpur Bazaar, Chandni police station complex, Premnagar police station complex, and the villages of Bargidih, Badsara, Dumaria, Davana, Kuruwan, Kevada, and Harratikra.
Speaking at the event, health worker Mr. Ramlal Yadav and paralegal volunteer Mr. Satya Narayan stated that tobacco consumption poses a serious threat to both health and society. They explained that young people are being lured to tobacco products through attractive advertisements, while consuming these products increases the risk of cancer, respiratory diseases, and other serious illnesses.
Speakers explained that tobacco products like smoking, gutkha, khaini, and zarda affect various parts of the body and cause serious diseases of the mouth, throat, stomach, and lungs. The program encouraged people to adopt a drug-free lifestyle and to redirect unnecessary tobacco expenditures to children’s education and health.
On this occasion, villagers, women, and youth were also sworn in to build a drug-free society.
Officials and employees of the Sabri Seva Sansthan, the Health Department, the District Legal Services Authority, and local public representatives played a significant role in making the program a success.