Along with the rest of the country ‘World No Tobacco Day’ was observed across Nagaland under the theme, “tobacco a threat to development” on May 31 in various districts, departments and schools.
In Kohima, the programme was held at Capital Convention Centre with parliamentary secretary of Higher and Technical Education, Deo Nukhu as the chief guest on Wednesday.
Nukhu in his address said the observance of the day was important in Nagaland to create awareness as the state was considered as the 2nd highest tobacco consuming state in India (57%). He commented that the consumption of smokeless tobacco was more harmful than even smoking. He opined that more awareness programme should be created in the state especially for younger generation as consumption of tobacco was on the rise. Stating that causes of death due to tobacco consumption could be prevented through such awareness, Nukhu pointed out that reports indicated higher cancer deaths in Nagaland. Nukhu stressed that control of tobacco consumption needed to be carried out at home, schools, public and working places to improve health and economy of the people and state.
Nukhu suggested that emphasis should be given to eradicate tobacco flow in Nagaland as there was no cultivation, no production, and processing in the state and also encouraged to create more tobacco free zone. He challenged the gathering to make Kohima the capital of Nagaland a tobacco free zone. Deputy commissioner & chairman district level coordination committee (DLCC), Rajesh Soundararajan advised the students and young generation to be careful so they would not fall prey to tobacco.
Ambassador for tobacco smoke free Kohima, Sievituo Solo testified that with his good health he could travel more than 40 countries on his bamboo bicycle in 6 years and challenged the young people that if they were really determined they could make a difference. He said the youth of Nagaland deserves the good health by abstaining from bad habits and taking tobacco, with which many good and positive things can be contributed to the society. He suggested the concern department to organize running club community with the aim to promote health and contribute something positive so as to relax for stress and tension. Solo his team project 72 would be collaborating with the Department of Health & Family Welfare to create more street art in and around the districts to ensure awareness to the different groups in the society.
DR. H. Hotokhu Chishi SNO NTCP in slide show presentation stated that as per the global adult tobacco survey 2010 Nagaland stands second highest in India in tobacco consumption 57% i,e. (smoking 31% and smokelss 45.3%). He said Nagaland got gold medallist in Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (cancer) with 15.3% male and 10.8 % female as per the 2012-14 population based cancer survey (ICMR).
Dr. Chishi said in Nagaland the tobacco profile in 8-13 years age group in school were 28.3% already on tobacco habits, smoking 15% and buying tobacco for parents 41.2%. He said status of second hand smoke exposure (passive smokers in adults) home exposure -80%, work place -65% and public place – 32%. He disclosed that altogether 121 schools in the state declared tobacco free (Kohima 36, Dimapur- 85), 15 colleges (Kohima-4, Dimapur-11), tobacco free in 4 public places in Dimapur district and 7 villages declared tobacco free (Kohima-3, Dimapur- 2, Wokha-1 and Zunheboto-1). The programme was chaired by additional Director, H&FW, Tali Jamir. Toshimeren Walling of G. Rio School presented the voice of children where he challenged the gathering to abstain from smoking and taking tobacco, special song was presented by the students of little flower school Kohima students, 16 children from different school who participated in the essay competition were given certificate and cash prizes by Dr. Hotokhu Chishi SNO, NTC, Rita Angami a tobacco free consumer also shared her life testimony in the program and while vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Vikeyie Losu Addl. Director DH&FW.
Representative from Philimi village, Khonoma and Jotsoma highlighted their success story of free tobacco in their villages.
Salesian College Kuda village: In Salesian College, Kuda village the day was observed at the college auditorium with DC Dimapur, Kesonyu Yhome as chief guest and CMO Dimapur, Dr. K. Vikato Kinimi as guest of honour. Addressing the gathering Kesonyu remarked that the North Eastern states were less developed as compared to other states and in addition Mizoram has come in first as highest tobacco consumption state followed by Nagaland. Kesonyu lamented that this was not something to be proud of but rather a very tragic position. Quoting “a healthy mind needs a health body” he said for a healthy body there was need to abstain from any products that affected the body and urged the citizens, specially the student community to be smart and refrain from tobacco products.
Dr. K. Vikato said in order to maintain good health, one needed to eat healthy and should not be addicted to those products that were harmful to health. He also informed that 100 schools and 2 villages have been declared tobacco free in Dimapur and requested all the teachers, students, officials and all associated to keep helping the department in their future endeavours.
At the programme prepared speech were also presented by student representative of J.N. Aier College, Immanuel College and S.M College respectively.
The programme was led by PNF Fr. Joe, welcome address and acknowledgement by principal Salesian College, Fr. Polycarp, keynote address by District Nodal Officer NTCP, Dr. C. Tetseo, voice of tobacco victim by Dulal Poodar and special numbers were presented by St. Paul Higher Secondary School and Salesian College students. (Staff Reporter)
MDLSA: The Mokokchung District Legal Services Authority (MDLSA) organized a “walk-a-thon” from the Town Square to Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Wednesday, to obseve the day, which was flagged off by MDLSA retainer lawyer I Imkong Jamir. Addressing the participants of the walkathon, at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Dr. Funit Longchar, BDS, PGDMLS stated that widespread prevalence of tobacco use and negative health effects currently leads to 6 million deaths every year. He said, apart from tobacco abusers many thousands of non users are exposed to second hand smoke. He further cited that chewing of betel nut was equally dangerous, leading to oral cancer, as much as smoking. He urged the gathering to stay away from things which were injurious to health and be ‘preventers’ from self victimisation. Vote of thanks was proposed by principal district session judge & chairman MDLSA Khape Koza. The walkathon was led by MDLSA panel lawyers Limanungsang, Maongtula, Sentila Longchar, Ajungla and members of the PLVs. (Correspondent)
ABAM: Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang (ABAM) has been observing “day of abstinence from intoxicating item” from 2016 onward. On Wednesday ABAM observed “a day of abstinence from intoxicating item” in the entire Mokokchung district by observing prayers and non-use of intoxicants in the offices both government, private and shops. Some of the towns in Mokokchung district have successfully observed the whole day without selling any intoxicants. A special one hour programme was organized at Imlong Place, Mokokchung Town with the members from Mokokchung area Ao Baptist churches and leaders from different apex bodies. Members from the churches assembled with play cards inculcating the effects of intoxicating items, while ABAM distributed a leaflet on the hazardous health effects of alcohol and smoking and scripture passages in relation to abstinence from alcohol.
Speakers were R. Ayim Lkr president, All Ward Union Mokokchung and Alemla Mozur secretary, ABAM Women Ministry who opined that unless social bodies and Church association intervened the young people from indulging in the intoxicants, the next generation were at high stake. Secretary, ABAM Women Ministry expressed a great appreciation to some of the Ao local churches who have adopted detoxification camp which had positive outcome. She called on to all the local churches to adopt detoxification camp besides other leadership training or spiritual programme. Chubatemjen coordinator Sunday School, ABAM was prayer leader and programme ended with slogans and mass prayers.
Wokha: Yikhum village became the first village to be declared as Tobacco Free Village under Wokha district on May 31 and declaration was made by CMO, Wokha Dr. Enrithung Lotha at Tiyi Hall, Wokha. According to DIPR report, chairman Lotha Hoho, Mhao Humtsoe who graced the occasion as the chief guest, impressed upon the gathering to discourage the use of tobacco as consumption of tobacco acted as a threat not only to development but also life, family, community and society. Congratulating the village for the achievement he called upon the village community to continue to keep up good work. Delivering the key note address sr. dental surgeon & DNO NTCP, Dr. Merebini Odyuo said, tobacco endangers the lives of millions of people worldwide, threatening the future and development and also undermining efforts to build a healthier, more prosperous and more peaceful world. She called for the elimination of tobacco threat by implementing tobacco measures, which she said would help all nations achieve the sustainable development goals.
Pastor, Yikhum Baptist Church, Zanbemo Kithan informed that through the joint initiative of the church, village council, students union and co-operation of the village community their dream of putting a total ban on sale of tobacco products within the village was made possible. He thanked the people of the village for the support extended towards achieving the same. It was organized by District Tobacco Control Cell, National Tobacco Control Programme, department of Health & Family Welfare, Wokha, Nagaland.
Peren: The programme was held at town hall in Peren town, with SDO (C), Sarita Yadav as the chief guest. Lamenting on the rampant use and the alarming effects of tobacco in the state, the chief guest made a fervent appeal to spread the awareness amongst the citizens. According to DIPR report, she called upon the gathering to join hands and make a pledge for a tobacco free zone in the district. Earlier she said that, eighty percent (80 %) of the Naga’s uses tobacco in different forms which involved even the educated people.
CMO Peren, Dr. Denis elaborated the economy effect, the health effect and the environment effect of tobacco uses. In a key note address (DNO, NTCP) Peren, Dr. Sabino stated that 5.4 million people died every year all over the world due to the effect of tobacco uses and its related diseases. Nagaland ranked as the second highest Tobacco user in the country. The program was chaired by Hoineichin, social worker and vote of thanks was pronounced by Alhing.
CTFS: Chumoukedima Tobacco Free Schools (CTFS) held a combined program with Dr. Narola (M .O) from PHC, Chumoukedima as the resource person at Chumoukedia Town Council conference hall, Chumoukedima.
In a press release by organizing committee, introductory speech was given by principal North Town Hr Sec School, Chumu, B.B Chetri, where he underscored on ill-effects of tobacco use. He highlighted with powerpoint presentation on the use of tobacco and how it was posing a threat to society. The program ended with a signature campaign by all representative schools. In the prepared speech competition – 1st prize was bagged by Nishoka G Chishi (Agape Hr Sec School) .2nd prize – Grace Sumi (Saint Savio High School). 3rd prize – Noklengangien Longkumer (St. Joseph Hr Sec School). In the painting competition Class 7 category – 1st prize was bagged by Shrabamita ( Little Flower School ) .2nd prize – Karan (North Town Hr Sec School ) 2nd prize – Khupminlal ( St Joseph Hr Sec school ), 3rd prize – Khelileng (St Savio High School ). In class 8 painting category – 1st prize – Kevisekhoü (Little Flower School). 2nd – Samyu Reji ( St Savio High School ) . 2nd – Ruksana (North Town Hr Sec School). 3rd – Sato (Seeds of Hope School).
CTFS comprises of Agape Hr Sec School, Saint Savio High School, St. Joseph Hr Sec School, Little Flower School, Cosmopolitan School, Godwin Hr. Sec. School, North Town Hr Sec School and Seeds of Hope School.
LSHSS Dimapur: In Little Star Hr. Sec. School (LSHSS) Dimapur the Cultural Club of the School presented a skit on the dangers of tobacco consumption. They graphically displayed the destruction of ambitions and goals that were brought about by careless tobacco consumption. Dr. Temjennungsang Longchari, dental surgeon from Touch Up Dental Clinic and a core group member of the Anti Tobacco Team of Dimapur visited the school and gave a power point presentation on the dangers of tobacco consumption.
Pictures of all the various forms of tobacco popularly available in the market were shown to the students. He talked about how tobacco consumption could interfere with concentration and hinder academic achievement. The school also undertook a slogan writing competition on the theme. Certificates were awarded to the students by the Anti Tobacco Department.
PVHSS Dimapur: In Pranab Vidyapith Higher Secondary School, Dimapur, principal Monoj Bhattacharjee delivered the introductory & welcome speech. He spoke about the evil effects of tobacco and welcomed Dr. Kaketo H. Yepthomi, ‘Beyond Smile’s –Multispeciality Dental Clinic, Dimapur, who was the speaker. Headmaster L.C.D dwelt upon in detail about the harmful effects of tobacco consumption. Dr. Kaketo, an ex-student of the school who was not only a doctor, but also a dedicated social worker delivered a very informative and instructive speech on the evils of tobacco citing various datas. A speech competition was organized in which 27 students participated. Dr. Kaketo and Bimal Ojha, A/T were the judges. Abakash Chakraborty, A/T initiated to organize the programme, which was conducted by Siddhartha Sharma, a student. Bimal Ojha delivered the judges opinion and vote of thanks. Raj Paul was adjudged as the winner, Gourab Deb 2nd and Sandip Debnath 3rd. Lily Chishi & Vitisheli A Awomi from the clinic “Beyond Smile’s” were also present on the occasion. Drawing and slogan competition among the students were also organized.
MGMHSS: MGM HSS celebrated with variety of programs, such as extempore speech of higher secondary and high school section, poster competition for students of classes 1 to 12 and awareness rally. Students were made aware that use of tobacco was a hindrance to development. Principal, Fr.P.S.Varghese and AHM, B.Paul also gave awareness classes.
FAC Mokokchung: Fazl Ali College (FAC) observed the day at its college wherein principal, staffs and the students attended the anti tobacco awareness programme. Principal in her short speech welcomed the medical team and encouraged the students to give their best in learning from the awareness programme. Dr Moa Jamir district nodal officer for NTCP gave a power point presentation on the awareness and how tobacco threatened health and the development of the society. Dr Tiasenla and Dr Aotula from IMDH also attended the programme.
DPRO Dimapur: On the occasion, DPRO office Dimapur screened short films and documentaries on dangers of tobacco use at Clock Tower junction here Wednesday evening. Hundreds of people attended the screening and the crowd swelled as passers-by joined the event. Several informative and educational films on the harmful effects of tobacco, dubbed in English, Hindi and local dialects, were screened. 32 AR: 32 Assam Rifles under the aegis of Headquarters IGAR (N) celebrated World Anti Tobacco Day at Padam Pukhri village, Dimapur with an aim to educate the villagers on various ill effects of tobacco, preventive measures and benefits of quitting tobacco.
CHSS: Christian Higher Secondary School, Dimapur observed the day by having a signature campaign, putting up of anti-tobacco signages. Teachers and students also pledged against tobacco.