Manav Rachna organizes anti-tobacco rally

A ‘No Tobacco Rally’ was organized by Manav Rachna Dental College on 31st May, 2016. What better way to mark ‘World No Tobacco Day’ to create awareness about Tobacco’s Harmful Effects. While the world was witnessing sessions over ways to educate people about the harmful effects of tobacco, it was a grand rally in Faridabad that set that the stage for saying ‘no’ to tobacco use.

The Rally started at 9.30AM from B.K. Hospital, Faridabad and ended at the head office of the Manav Rachna Educational Institutions at NH-5. The rally was part of MRDC’s institutional social responsibility in order to create awareness among masses about the harmful effects of tobacco use. The Chief Guest on the occasion was Dr. Gulshan Arora, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Faridabad and Dr. Asim Das, Principal ESIC Medical College. Also present on the occasion were Dr M.M. Kathuria, Advisor, MREI; Dr N.C. Wadhwa, Vice Chancellor, Manav Rachna International University; Maj. Gen. (Retd) P.N. Awasthi, Advisor, MRDC and Raman Grover, President, Lions Club Lake City.

It is well known fact that more than 6 million people die worldwide every year, due to tobacco consumption. More than 5 million of those deaths are the result of direct tobacco use while more than 600,000 are the result of non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke. Another important fact is that Tobacco kills up to half of its users. Highlighting the impact of income on the overall standing of any country, the WHO reports also reveal that nearly 80% of the world’s smokers live in low and middle income countries.

 The rally in course of its sojourn garnered much appreciation even from bystanders. More than 100 students of MREI joined in the initiative as they took to the streets carrying posters and shouting slogans to sensitize people towards the harmful effects of tobacco use and its life threatening effects.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Gulshan Arora, CMO, said, “The Anti Tobacco Rally being held on this significant day to create awareness against tobacco use is praiseworthy.” He stated further that for every cigarette taken, a person loses 5 minutes of his life! 

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Asim Das, Principal ESIC Medical College, said, “One cigarette is enough to create a stairway to hell. The youth should not only resolve to say ‘no’ to tobacco but also encourage others to give up tobacco for good. This would ensure the creation of a tobacco-free nation.”     

Dr N.C. Wadhwa, Vice Chancellor, MRIU said, “Tobacco use destroys not just an individual but also society as a whole. It is therefore our collective responsibility to fight the menace. Manav Rachna Educational Institutions has been working ceaselessly towards the cause.  It is heartening to see students take up the anti-tobacco cause at the Rally and encourage others to put an end to tobacco use.

A street play was also performed by the students of MRDC students that successfully conveyed the message to make the people aware of the harmful impact of tobacco, in any form.

- Mr. Sanjay Chaturvedi