Describing tobacco as a silent killer, the Governor of Uttarakhand, KK Paul, said the young people should involve themselves in creative activities which can act as a bulwark against them falling prey to such dangerous habits like tobacco consumption.
“Pranayam has the potential to strengthen a person’s will. It can keep them from getting addicted to harmful substances”, said Dr Paul while addressing a programme organised by World lung Foundation with a mission to make Uttarakhand a tobacco free state at Rajiv Gandhi Navodaya Vidyalaya, Dehradun on Monday.
He dwelt on the havoc the use of tobacco is wreaking across the world. Talking about the celebrities using tobacco, he asked the students not to be influenced by them. “Doing and thinking constructive will prove effective antidote to addictions,” he said.
He also appreciated the efforts of World lung Foundation to make Uttarakhand a tobacco-free State. He said strict action must be taken to stop sale of intoxicating substance near the educational institutions, religious places and public places. A widespread awareness campaign is an imperative to help the youths keep away from such destructive habits, he said.
The Governor gave prizes to the students who stood first, second and third in the state level essay and painting competitions held in connection with making people aware of the ill-effects of tobacco.
Chief secretary N Ravishanker and additional chief secretary S Raju also appreciated the efforts of the foundation in freeing the state from the scourge of tobacco. World lung Foundation chairman GR Khatri threw light on the national and international statistics to showcase the bad effects of tobacco consumption.