Punjab Health Minister Champions Youth in Tobacco-Free Fight
Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh made a powerful appeal on Friday. He called for a united, youth-led movement against tobacco use. Speaking in Chandigarh, he described the state's young people as the true builders of a healthier future.
Youth Conclave Focuses on New Initiatives
Dr. Singh chaired a Youth Conclave at Panjab University. The event carried the title "Building a Tobacco-Free Generation through Promotion, Adoption and Implementation of New Initiatives." He directly exhorted students and young leaders present. He urged them to become role models. The minister asked them to carry the momentum for tobacco control from their campuses out into their communities and digital spaces.
"Punjab's strength lies in its youth," Dr. Balbir Singh asserted. "When young minds reject tobacco, the future of the state automatically becomes healthier, stronger and more productive."
The conclave brought together a diverse group. Students, experts, and civil society leaders all participated. The Generation Saviour Association (GSA) organized the event. They collaborated with the Department of Public Health at Panjab University, Vital Strategies, SIPHER, and RCTC from PGIMER.
Highlighting the Mental and Social Toll
Dr. Singh did not mince words about tobacco's dangers. He highlighted that tobacco affects more than just the human body. He stated it severely impacts the human mind, potentially making a person mentally ill. This can lead to a plethora of mental health problems, including increased suicidal tendencies.
"Tobacco use leads to other harmful drug addictions as well as crime," the minister added. "Therefore, we should all come forward to nip this evil in the bud and save our society."
Punjab's Pioneering Achievements
The minister took time to underline Punjab's significant achievements in tobacco control. He noted a key statistic. According to the latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), Punjab has the lowest prevalence of tobacco use in the entire country.
Dr. Singh credited this success to several concrete actions by the state:
- Stringent enforcement of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA).
- Taking early action against the sale and use of e-cigarettes.
- Implementing a permanent ban on hookah bars.
- Establishing free tobacco cessation centres in all districts.
"These numbers reflect policy success," Dr. Singh remarked. "But the real victory will be when tobacco use becomes socially unacceptable. That profound change can only be driven by informed and empowered youth."
Releasing a Youth-Centric Study
To underscore the importance of focusing on young people, the minister released a comprehensive study. The report is titled "Youth Perception in India Towards Creating a Tobacco-Free Generation." This 10-state study aims to inform better, youth-centric strategies for tobacco control across India.
A Call for Collective Resolve
Dr. Balbir Singh concluded his address with a strong call for unity. He urged every citizen, with a special emphasis on the youth, to personally pledge to a tobacco-free lifestyle.
"Let us all resolve to build a tobacco-free Punjab," he said. "Our collective resolve today will directly determine the health and prosperity of our generations tomorrow." His message was clear: the fight against tobacco requires everyone, with the energy and influence of young people leading the way.
