On May 31, 2025, in observance of World No Tobacco Day, the city of Tiruchirappalli (Trichy) witnessed a powerful public awareness rally organized jointly by Harshamitra Hospital and the Department of Public Health. The event was held to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use and to promote a tobacco-free lifestyle, especially among the younger generation.
A March Toward a Tobacco-Free Society
The awareness rally began from the Trichy District Collector’s Office premises and culminated at K.A.P. Viswanatham Government Medical College, marking a symbolic journey from governance to education, emphasizing that every sector of society has a role to play in combating the tobacco epidemic.
Hundreds of participants, including medical professionals, students, social workers, public health officials, and members of the general public, joined hands and voices in the campaign. The rally aimed to educate the public about the severe health, social, and economic consequences of tobacco consumption.
The participants marched through key roads in the city, holding placards with slogans such as “Say No to Tobacco”, “Your Lungs Deserve Better”, and “A Healthy Life is a Tobacco-Free Life”. The atmosphere was charged with purpose, unity, and determination.
Youth in Focus: A Generation at Risk
One of the rally’s core messages was the urgent need to protect young people from the manipulative marketing strategies of tobacco companies. Today, youth are constantly exposed to tobacco through colorful advertisements, social media influence, product placement in films, and easy accessibility.
Many young individuals begin using tobacco out of curiosity or peer pressure, without fully understanding its life-threatening consequences. The rally called for stricter regulation of tobacco advertising and more youth-focused educational programs to counteract the glamorization of smoking.
Dr. Savithri, the Deputy Director of Public Health Services, flagged off the rally. In her speech, she highlighted how tobacco continues to be one of the leading preventable causes of death globally and underscored the importance of community-wide efforts to curb its usage.
Leadership Speaks Out
At the conclusion of the rally, a brief public gathering was held at the medical college premises. Dr. G. Govindaraj, Managing Director of Harshamitra Hospital, welcomed the participants and thanked them for being part of this crucial movement. He emphasized the long-term impact of tobacco use on public health and the economic burden it places on the healthcare system.
He stated, “Tobacco is not just a personal health issue—it’s a social issue. It affects families, workplaces, and communities. Quitting tobacco is the first step toward reclaiming our collective health.”
Dr. P. Sasi Priya, Executive Director of the hospital, delivered the vote of thanks, appreciating the dedication of all participants and partners involved in the initiative.
Wide Participation from Institutions and NGOs
The event saw enthusiastic participation from over 300 individuals, including staff and students from:
- Mariamman School of Nursing
- Periyar College of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Indira Ganesan Educational Institutions
- Rose Garden Charitable Trust, among others.
Their involvement signaled a growing commitment among educational and charitable institutions to align with public health goals. These institutions also pledged to conduct follow-up events such as seminars, workshops, and community outreach programs on tobacco cessation.
Tobacco: A Global Killer
According to World Health Organization (WHO) statistics, tobacco use is responsible for over 8 million deaths annually. This includes not just smokers, but also non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke.
In India, the toll is especially high due to widespread availability of tobacco in various forms such as:
- Cigarettes
- Beedis
- Chewing tobacco
- Gutkha and pan masala
These products not only cause cancer, heart disease, and lung disorders, but are also linked to poor maternal health outcomes, birth defects, and reduced economic productivity.
Despite legislation like the COTPA Act (Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003), enforcement remains a challenge. Public participation, as seen in Trichy’s rally, is crucial to demand and drive stronger policy actions.
Creating a Tobacco-Free Future:
The rally concluded with a collective pledge by all attendees to:
- Avoid using tobacco in any form
- Educate at least five people in their community about the dangers of tobacco
- Support friends and family members who are trying to quit
- Report illegal tobacco advertisements or sales, especially those targeting minors
The event was more than just a march—it was a community declaration for a healthier future. Posters, leaflets, and banners were distributed during the rally, ensuring that the message reached even those who were not part of the march.
Volunteers also conducted quick surveys to assess public awareness about tobacco risks, with plans to use the data for future educational strategies.
Testimonials from Participants
Nivetha, a nursing student who participated in the rally, said:
“This event made me realize how deeply tobacco affects not just the user, but everyone around them. I will definitely talk to my friends and family about quitting.”
Mr. Sathish, a retired school teacher and a survivor of oral cancer caused by chewing tobacco, shared his story during the concluding session. His emotional appeal brought tears to many eyes and strengthened the resolve of the participants.
He said:
“I wish someone had spoken to me like this when I was young. If we can prevent even one child from picking up tobacco because of today’s rally, it’s a victory.”
Looking Ahead: Sustaining the Momentum
Harshamitra Hospital and the Public Health Department announced their intention to conduct monthly awareness drives across various villages and semi-urban areas of the district. The focus will be on:
- Tobacco cessation counseling
- Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) clinics
- Youth clubs and school partnerships
- Training health workers in community-level intervention
In addition, digital outreach campaigns are planned using platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and WhatsApp to spread anti-tobacco messages in vernacular languages for wider reach.
Conclusion
The World No Tobacco Day rally in Trichy was not just an event; it was a movement—powered by people from all walks of life, united against a common enemy: tobacco. It showcased how awareness, education, and collective action can drive real change.
By targeting the root of the problem—youth initiation, social normalization, and lack of awareness—the rally served as a beacon for other districts and states to emulate.
Tobacco may still be a formidable adversary, but with events like this, a healthier, tobacco-free India is not just a dream—it’s a destination within reach.