A drug-free society will be developed only if we stay away from tobacco consumption: Tourism Minister

World No Tobacco Day was observed in West Tripura district yesterday through a programme at Agnibina Hall in Jirania. The programme was organized under the initiative of the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of West Tripura Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury inaugurated the programme. The main theme of this year’s World No Tobacco Day is ‘We need food. Not Tobacco An aware ness rally was also organized yesterday to observe World No Tobacco Day. Health workers, Ashu workers and Anganwadi workers participated in the rally.

Inaugurating the programme. Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury said that World No Tobacco Day is observed on May 31 every year under the initiative of World Health Organization. World No Tobacco Day is observed to make people aware of the negative effects of tobacco consumption on human body. At the programme, Tourism Minister urged everyone to come forward to keep themselves healthy and create a drug-free society.

He said, everyone should stay away from tobacco consumption. If each of us adheres to this, a drug- free society will emerge. On the occasion, the Tourism Minister administered an oath to all present at the programme to stay away from tobacco consumption. Chief Medical Officer of West District Debashis Das in his welcome speech explained the significance of World No Tobacco Day. At the programme. Cancer Specialist Dr.

Arup Roy Burman presented detailed information about the ill effects of tobacco consumption through PowerPoint presentation. 7 people who quit smoking were felicitated at the programme. The guests handed over certificates and scarf to them Jogendranagar Urban Primary Health Centre and Jirania Community Health Centre were awarded for implementing anti-tobacco programmes in the district. Apart from this, Jirunia Nagar Panchayat and Police Department were also felicitated on the occasion.

Chairman of Jirania Panchayat Samiti Manju Das, Vice Chairman of Jirania Panchayat Samiti Pritam Debnath. Vice Chairperson of Jirania Nagar Panchayat Rita Das, Chairperson of Ranirbazar Municipal Council Aparna Shukla Das, Vice Chairperson of Ranithazar Municipal Council Prabir Kumar Das, District Education Officer Ripon Roy, Additional Superintendent of Police Nemit Pathak, Social worker Gouranga Bhowmik and others were present at the programme. Chairman of Jirania Nagar Panchayat Ratan Kumar Das gave vole of thanks.