Himachal’s push for tobacco-free future

Shimla: Governor Kavinder Gupta on Tuesday launched a statewide anti-tobacco campaign, calling on the next generation to spearhead the fight against addiction in Himachal Pradesh.The "Tobacco-Free Himachal" initiative, spearheaded by youth organisation YouVAH (Youth for Voluntary Action in Himachal), will roll out across all 12 districts as part of a broader mission titled "Youth for Rise – No to Drugs, Yes to Passion", aimed at curbing substance abuse through community outreach and education.During a briefing at Lok Bhavan, YouVAH delegates outlined their strategy to engage students and local communities. It will focus on the long-term health risks of tobacco use while encouraging youth to pivot toward constructive personal interests.Governor Gupta said the energy of young people was the state's most effective weapon against the drug and tobacco epidemic. He underscored the importance of a multifaceted approach to public health, highlighting three key pillars for a responsible society.Stressing the need for collective social responsibility, he encouraged communities to self-regulate and discourage tobacco use. He called for value-based education that integrated anti-addiction messaging into the academic framework.He sought constructive engagement to provid youth with healthy outlets to prevent the onset of substance abuse. "Active participation from our youth is essential," Gupta said, adding that building an addiction-free state required a cultural shift toward healthier lifestyle.MSID:: 131042507 413 |