World No Tobacco Day was observed on May 31 across the world and numerous institutions and organizations of Nagaland joined in on the observance. Following are some more reports from across the state.
Mon: Mon celebrated the event with enthusiastic participation of students and teachers from seven different schools, societies and doctors and staffs from National Health Mission.
Dr. Wungyong Konyak medical specialist DH Mon, spoke about how tobacco affects the heart. A brief presentation on the achievements of NTCP, under Nagaland was shared by Dr. I Simon Sumi, District Nodal Officer Mon.
Special invitee, Honang Jesuhu, general secretary Konyak Union also shared his life experience on how he got involved with tobacco during his younger years.
Phek: Phek District has observed ‘World No Tobacco Day’ at Chapel Hall, District Hospital Phek under the theme ‘Tobacco and Heart Diseases’.
Speaking on the theme, Dr. Reyosalu Lase Vizo, district nodal officer, National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP) Phek said that by the grace of God and with the support of the public, Churches, schools, NGOs etc., Nagaland had come down from the 2nd position to the 8th position in the country in tobacco consumption.
Mr.Vethothi Vero Panel Lawyer District Legal Services Authority Phek highlighted the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA 2003) and explained the different Acts under COTPA 2003.
Dr. Limanukshi, medicine specialist, DH Phek, spoke about the outcomes and side effects of smoking on the heart.
Phek District Legal Services Authority (PDLSA) also observed “World No Tobacco Day” with Government Higher Secondary School at Meluri town.
A press release from NSLSA said that more than 80 students attended the programme after which the students also organised a poster campaign.
Tuensang: Tuensang District observed ‘World No Tobacco Day’ under the theme, ‘Tobacco breaks hearts’, at two schools in the district on May 31.
According to a press release issued by Chief Medical Officer, DR. T. Pangjung Sangtam and Media Officer, Kupje Buchem, the programmes were conducted at St. John Higher Secondary School and Hakusang Government School at 8 am 9:30 am respectively.
Speaking on the occasion, senior dental surgeon District Hospital & NTCP Nodal Officer Tuensang, Dr. N. Chenithung Yanthan highlighted the ill effects of tobacco; how it causes heart disease, lung cancer, and even increases chances of a stroke. He advised students to choose life and stop tobacco use to lead a healthy life.
Longleng: District Health Society Longleng observed ‘World No Tobacco Day’ at Borgohain Hall Yingli College on May 31. A power point presentation on Tobacco and Heart Diseases was presented by Dr. Bongau, Jr. Dental Surgeon, District Hospital Longlen. Dr. Thungbemo Deputy CMO also gave a power point presentation titled ‘Nagaland Tobacco Profile’. District Adolescent Club also presented a short skit on “Ill effects of Tobacco” based on a theme “yes to health and no to tobacco”.
Special invitee for the programme, Robin, SDO (Civil) Longleng, encouraged the students to stay away from tobacco and requested everyone to contribute their bit to try to make Longleng a tobacco free district.
Zunheboto: District Health Society, Zunheboto in collaboration with No Tobacco Club, Cornerstone Higher Secondary School, observed “World No Tobacco Day” under the theme “Tobacco and heart disease” at Cornerstone Higher Secondary School, Zunheboto on May 31.
A press release from CMO Office, Zunheboto, District Media Officer, Shekho Sophie said that Dr. Ester Ngullie, Junior Dental Surgeon, District Hospital, Zunheboto highlighted the importance of the day.
A quiz competition was held with Tokavi Swu, MD, Cornerstone as the quizmaster. A pledge was also taken during the programme where around 120 participants took a pledge against tobacco.
Wokha: World No Tobacco Day 2018 was observed at Likya Community Hall, Wokha under the WHO theme “Tobacco & Heart Disease”.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Meribeni Odyuo DNO, NTCP Wokha dwelt on the theme “Tobacco & Heart Disease” and spoke about how tobacco affects the heart.
Mt Sinai & Isaiah Ability Schools were declared “Tobacco Free Schools” during the programme and certificates and posters were handed out by Jongshimongla, district education officer, Wokha.
The theme speaker, Dr. Wemeri Khutsoh, SMO, Dr. M M District Hospital gave a powerful presentation on the theme “Tobacco & Heaert Disease”.
Shanchobeni, panel lawyer, WDLSA spoke on the Cigarette & Other Tobacco Products Act.
Peren: Peren District Legal Services Authority (PDLSA) in collaboration with department of health and family welfare, Peren observed the day with students and teachers of Ibaung Thou Memorial School, Jalukie.
In the programme, CJM & secretary PDLSA, Somet C. Chang, highlighted the importance of the day and gave a brief introduction of the services given by the legal services authority through the assistance of the PLV and PL.
Delivering keynote address, nodal officer for NTCP, Dr. Sabino Kuotsu, highlighted the hazards and ill effects of tobacco consumption. Deliberating on the topic “tobacco and heart disease”, Deputy CMO, Peren, Dr. Supongmenla, highlighted how the consumption of tobacco affects the heart and other related diseases. Government pleader & APP, Peren, Italang Ramlia, gave a brief about the COPTA Act.
Other Institutions and Organizations: A signature campaign was held on World No Tobacco Day at Zisaji Predidency College in Kiphire on May 31.
Shepherd Montessori and High School, Niuland observed the day with students taking part in a “Prepared Speech” contest. A poster making competition was also held to mark the day.
Zunheboto Battalion of Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ IGAR (North) organised a lecture on “Anti Tobacco Day” on May 31 at Kidding village. A press release by Assam Rifles stated that the aim of the event was to create awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco on individuals and society at large. A total of 45 villagers attended the lecture followed by informal interaction with Assam Rifles personnel. All present pledged to make the village tobacco free, the release said.
Assembly of God Higher Secondary School (AGHSS), Dimapur, conducted a seminar on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day on Wednesday. According to a press release by the school principal, David Ngullie, resource person of the seminar, Dr. Meyisen Angh spoke on the harmful effects of tobacco and how it can lead to heart diseases.
Chakhesang Mission Higher Secondary School (CMHSS), Pfütsero, conducted a programme on World No Tobacco Day at the school auditorium on May 31.A press release from the school said, PG teacher Atshole Wetsah, CMHSS spoke on the ill effects of tobacco consumption and the need to create awareness among students to stop the consumption of tobacco products to live longer.
Immanuel College celebrated “World No Tobacco Day” at the College auditorium on May 31. According to a press release by Media Convener of the college, Akutu Pouring, the speakers for the programme were: principal, Immanuel College, S.C Singh and assistant professor Vepu.
The Anti-Tobacco Committee of Sakus Mission College (SMC) observed ‘World No Tobacco day’ under the theme “Tobacco and Heart Disease” on May 31. In a press release, the college administration said that the resource person was Dr. Moatoshi Aier who encouraged the audience to be ambassadors against tobacco use.
St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School (SMHSS) observed World No Tobacco Day under the theme “Tobacco Breaks Heart” on Thursday. A press release by the school principal Neena Dutta said students took part in drawings & essays\\ competitions for which certificates were given to the winners by the principal & vice principal.
St. Stephen’s Higher Secondary School, Dimapur, observed World No Tobacco day on Thursday. According to a press release from the school, a drawing competition and extempore speech programme were conducted based on the theme, ‘Tobacco breaks heart – choose health not tobacco.”
Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research (CIHSR) Dimapur, trained nurses’ association of India and student nurses’ association, commemorated “World No Tobacco Day” on May 31 at CIHSR Dimapur with nodal officer, Tobacco Control Dimapur, Dr. C. Tetse-o as the theme speaker. A press release from CIHSR Dimapur said Dr. C. Tetse-o, spoke at the programme and a series of sessions on health education was given to employees of the hospital.
Bethesda Hr. Sec. School observes World No Tobacco Day with a seminar conducted in two batches. The theme was based on the subject of the impact tobacco has on cardiovascular health of people worldwide.
Agape Higher Secondary School, Chumukedima observed “World No Tobacco Day” on May 31 under the theme “Tobacco breaks hearts”. A short programme was organised by anti-tobacco club where a signature campaign and painting competition was held.
Livingstone Foundation Hr. Sec. School carried out numerous programmes and activities throughout the day. It began with a special programme during the school’s morning assembly and later processions were taken out by both senior and junior students.
MGM College and Higher Secondary School Dimapur also observed the World No Tobacco Day with students taking oaths against tobacco. A poster making competition was also organized in the school.
An awareness campaign was organised by The Trailblazers Society in two different schools: Maple Tree School, Dimapur and Nagaland Police Central School, Chumukedima on Wednesday. Dr. Temjennungsang Longchari, Dentist, Dental Touch and Facial Aesthetics and also Chairman of Trailblazers Society spoke about the dangers of smoking in the midst of students and faculty members He also gave a power point presentation on the hazards of tobacco using local examples.
Zakiesato Memorial Higher Secondary School (ZMHSS) Dimapur along with the rest of the world observed “World No Tobacco day” on May 31 under the theme “Tobacco and Heart Diseases”. A press release from ZMHSS administrator, B.P Sharma stated that the highlight of the day long activities were pamphlets distribution, placards display and a procession.
Zunheboto District Legal Services Authority (ZDLSA) organised a walkathon, wherein chairman ZDLSA and District & Sessions Judge Zunheboto, Niechochiyi Suyie, spoke on the topic “Significance of anti-tobacco day”. A prayer of blessings was said by Rev. George Paralkal, St. Anthony School Zunheboto.
Students of St. Thomas High School, Nagagaon, Dimapur, took out a procession and performed a street play on the theme “‘tobacco breaks hearts” on “World No Tobacco Day”.
J.N. Aier college observed the event with a programme where assistant professor, department of sociology Neichüzonuo, spoke under the theme ‘Tobacco and heart disease’. A painting competition was also held.