Dimapur, October 1 (MExN): Nagaland ranks second in the list of highest tobacco users in India with a whopping 57% of its population consuming tobacco. This was highlighted by Dr. C. Tetseo, Nodal Officer, National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP) during a seminar organized by the Diphupar Naga Students' Union (DNSU) with the theme ‘Tobacco: An Agent of Mass Destruction’ on September 28 at Agri Expo.
Dr. C. Tetseo stressed on the importance of spreading awareness about the destructive role of tobacco. He called upon the schools and colleges to implement the 'Tobacco Free Zone' in their respective institutions, while describing the alarming scenario of tobacco consumption as epidemic.
Dr. Rohan Ramesh, MD, Community Medicine (CIHSR) deliberated on the topic ‘Community Program for Anti- Tobacco.’ He attributed the increasing use of tobacco among the young people to the psychological factors such as stress and anxiety. Presenting a data collected during a survey conducted around Diphupar, he informed the gathering that there were 182 shops selling tobacco in Diphupar alone, which is a massive number in relation to the size of the area. He called upon the churches to play an active role in controlling the growing “menace” and also challenged the gathering to stop consuming tobacco because “unless we ourselves give up consuming, the laws or prohibition alone will not suffice and it will be very difficult to control this epidemic.”
During the seminar, students of Nursing College (CIHSR) performed a drama with a powerful message on ill effect of tobacco consumption. Poluto Swu, Branch Manager, Yes Bank Dimapur also gave a short speech.
The winners of the essay writing competition that was held in various schools and colleges within Diphupar as a prelude to the seminar were awarded with a cash prize of Rs. 5000 (1st prize) and Rs. 3000 (2nd prize) . The competition was held in 2 different categories.
DNSU President Kumlamo Patton stated in a press release that the seminar was hosted by Diphupar Naga Students' Union in collaboration with NTCP and the YES Bank Dimapur as the co-sponsors. Leaders of the various frontal organisations of Diphupar attended the seminar along with around 2000 students.
