CBC organised World No-Tobacco Day awareness programmes in Chandel and Imphal East, highlighting the dangers of tobacco and nicotine addiction.
Imphal, May 31: The Central Bureau of Communication (CBC) under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting organised special outreach programmes in Chandel district and Imphal East on Saturday to mark World No-Tobacco Day 2026, focusing on the theme, “Unmasking the appeal—countering nicotine and tobacco addiction.”
At Purum Tampak village in Chandel district, the CBC Field Office Chandel conducted an awareness programme attended by local leaders, women's self-help groups (SHGs), students and residents. The event featured MK Ahalpi, President of Purum Tampak SHG Cluster, and retired headmaster PR Winson Babu as special guests, while Principal of Smart Life Academy, Leivon John Kobari, served as the resource person.
Mathew Sk Bengam, Field Publicity Assistant of CBC Chandel, highlighted the campaign’s objective of exposing tobacco industry tactics and raising awareness about nicotine addiction.
Speaking at the programme, MK Ahalpi appreciated CBC's efforts in educating SHG members and urged families to work together to combat tobacco use. Winson Babu stressed the harmful effects of tobacco on young people and called on community members to play an active role in protecting future generations.
During his presentation, Leivon John Kobari explained the health risks associated with both smoked and smokeless tobacco products. Referring to the Northeast region’s proximity to international drug trafficking routes, particularly along Manipur’s border with Myanmar, he urged communities to remain vigilant against the growing threat of substance abuse.
Meanwhile, CBC Regional Office Imphal organised a similar outreach programme at Gem Public School, Pourabi, in Imphal East district.
Field Publicity Officer Dr N Reena outlined the role of CBC in disseminating information on various Government of India initiatives. She also led students, teachers and local participants in a pledge to abstain from tobacco and other harmful substances.
Senior psychiatrist (retired) Dr Haobijam Angomcha Singh delivered a detailed presentation on the health and social consequences of tobacco use. He discussed how peer pressure and other factors often influence teenagers to start using tobacco and addictive substances.
Dr Singh expressed concern over what he described as a growing social tolerance towards tobacco use among young people in Manipur. He noted that the state ranks among the highest tobacco-consuming states in the country and stressed the need for stronger awareness campaigns and preventive measures despite the existence of laws regulating tobacco products.
Addressing the gathering, Gem Public School Principal W Jaminjoy Meitei appreciated CBC for organising the programme at the grassroots level and called for similar awareness initiatives in more localities across the state.
Both outreach programmes featured spot quiz competitions, with prizes and certificates awarded to winners. At the Pourabi event, Private Registered Troupes (PRTs) also staged skits and dramas depicting the harmful effects of tobacco consumption.
According to CBC officials, the programmes were aimed at encouraging communities, students and families to make informed choices and actively participate in efforts to reduce tobacco use and nicotine addiction.
