Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 10 October 2025
The National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) – State Health Society, under the Directorate of Health Services, A&N Administration, organized the state-level launch of the ‘Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 3.0’ on 09th October 2025, at the TGCE auditorium. The event was aimed at promoting tobacco control awareness among young people and strengthening efforts to create a tobacco-free generation in the Islands.
The programme was graced by Ms. Richa, Secretary (Health) / Mission Director – UTHM, as the chief guest, and Dr. Suja Antony, Director of Health Services, as the guest of honour. Senior officials from the Directorate of Health Services, students, and faculty members from various educational institutions also attended the event.
In her address, Ms. Richa lauded the collaborative efforts of schools, colleges, and health authorities in promoting tobacco control. She emphasized the pivotal role of youth as change agents in creating a tobacco-free generation, particularly in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, where awareness and early intervention can have a lasting impact. She also highlighted the importance of Tobacco Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) guidelines in maintaining completely tobacco-free campuses.
The programme began with a melodious prayer song by the students of ANM Training School, followed by a keynote address from Dr. Satyajit Halder, Nodal Officer, NTCP, who drew attention to the alarming statistics of tobacco use among youth and stressed the need for stronger tobacco control initiatives through education and community participation.
To engage the audience and spread awareness creatively, students from Khalsa Public School and ANM Training School performed ‘Nukkad Nataks’ (Street Plays) highlighting the harmful effects of tobacco and the power of youth in building a tobacco-free society. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ms. Zeba Z, Social Worker, NTCP.
