No-Tobacco Day: ‘9 out of 10 smokers start before 18’

In observance of World No Tobacco Day, a district-level awareness event was organised on Saturday at Maharishi Dayanand Adarsh School, Chamba. The occasion brought together students, educators and health officials in a shared commitment to combat the rising threat of tobacco use, particularly among the youth.

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The event featured an impactful address by District Programme Officer Dr Karan Hiteshi, who spoke passionately about the importance of quitting tobacco and the challenges involved in doing so. He noted that nearly two out of every three smokers express a desire to quit and about half make an attempt each year. However, the addictive nature of nicotine makes quitting extremely difficult for most. Dr Hiteshi emphasised that nicotine not only affects the body but also alters behaviour, mood and emotions. In some cases, he said, its hold can be as strong as that of cocaine or alcohol, making tobacco cessation an uphill battle for many.

He went on to explain how most tobacco users begin during their teenage years, often influenced by peer pressure, family habits or the glamorisation of tobacco in films, television, video games and social media. Quoting alarming statistics, he shared that nearly nine out of 10 adult smokers started using tobacco before the age of 18 and almost all by the age of 26. He warned that eight out of 10 adolescents who begin using tobacco are likely to carry the habit into adulthood.

“Nicotine addiction,” Dr Hiteshi explained, “has a dual grip — physical and psychological. The body craves the substance, while the mind struggles to break free from a habit deeply woven into one’s daily life.” He urged the community to understand both aspects in order to better support those trying to quit.

The event also highlighted the wide participation of schools across Chamba district in marking World No Tobacco Day. With over 2,000 government and private schools in the district, more than half organised awareness activities such as speech competitions, slogan writing, poster making, face painting, mehndi contests and student-led rallies that reached out to the public with messages about the dangers of tobacco.

Dr Hiteshi encouraged those struggling with addiction or mental health challenges to seek support through the government’s Tele-MANAS helpline by dialing the toll-free number 14416. The helpline provides mental health assistance and information, including guidance for quitting tobacco.

The event concluded on a high note of community awareness and participation. In the speech competition held as part of the programme, Ankit secured first place, followed by Akanksha in second and Yashvardhan in third. Consolation prizes were awarded to Palak and Harshita, who were felicitated by the school principal and president, adding a celebratory touch to a day dedicated to health, education and hope.