Tobacco is not just addiction but poison: Delhi Speaker Vijender Gupta leads walkathon on World No-Tobacco Day in Rohini
Published on May 31, 2025
By IANS
- NEW DELHI — On the occasion of World No-Tobacco Day, Delhi’s Rohini area
witnessed a strong show of public awareness and health advocacy through a
walkathon organised to spread the message against tobacco consumption.
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- The event, themed 'Walk for Life', brought together
medical professionals, civic leaders, and local residents in a collective stand
against the harmful effects of tobacco.
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- Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta, who flagged off
the walkathon, delivered a powerful message on the dangers of tobacco. “Tobacco
is not just an addiction; it’s a poison,” he said, addressing the gathering.
“It is a dangerous habit that ruins lives, and the only effective way to combat
it is through sustained awareness and education,” he added.
- Organised by the Indian Medical Association in
collaboration with the Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre, the
event saw enthusiastic participation from doctors, healthcare workers, and
members of the public.
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- The walkathon aimed to raise awareness, especially among
the youth, about the health risks associated with tobacco, including its direct
link to life-threatening diseases like cancer.
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- “The younger generation often views smoking and tobacco
use as fashionable, but we must help them understand the long-term
consequences,” Gupta added, urging collective efforts to curb the rising trend
of tobacco use among the youth.
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- Speaking at the event, Dr. Sudhir Rawal, Medical Director
at the Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute, emphasised the medical impact: “Tobacco
is one of the main avoidable causes of cancer. If you don’t use tobacco, you
significantly reduce your risk of developing cancer, especially lung and mouth
cancer.”
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- The event also featured health-themed activities,
including group exercises and educational talks, to create a more engaging and
impactful experience for participants.
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- As part of a broader initiative across the country, the
Rohini walkathon served as a crucial reminder of the importance of quitting
tobacco and promoting healthier, smoke-free lives.