Silchar Cancer Centre observes World No Tobacco Day

way2barak, June 1 : In a stirring display of collective resolve and civic engagement, the Silchar Cancer Centre, under the aegis of the Assam Cancer Care Foundation (ACCF), in partnership with the District NCD Cell, orchestrated a series of impactful events to mark World No Tobacco Day. The observance, rich in symbolism and public participation, turned into a powerful demonstration of the community’s unwavering stand against the grip of tobacco.

The morning air buzzed with purpose as the day commenced with a vibrant awareness rally from the premises of the Silchar Cancer Centre. Flagged off jointly by Dr. Biswajit Ghosh, Medical Superintendent, and Dr. Phulkumari Talukdar, Senior Radiation Oncologist, the rally cut through the heart of the town with banners held high and voices echoing a singular message—say no to tobacco. From hospital staff and public health officials to patients, caregivers, and concerned citizens, the turnout was a testament to Silchar’s growing awareness and activism. Participants took a solemn No Tobacco Pledge, publicly committing to a life free from the clutches of nicotine and its perils.

In a visually striking and symbolic gesture, piles of seized tobacco products were set ablaze on the grounds of the Cancer Centre—a fiery repudiation of a vice that continues to exact a heavy toll on public health. This act, brief yet bold, captured the spirit of the day in no uncertain terms.

The formal segment of the day unfolded with an awareness program featuring thought-provoking addresses by medical professionals and public health leaders. Dr. Biswajit Ghosh underscored the deadly nexus between tobacco use and various cancers, urging early detection and sustained awareness as cornerstones of prevention. Dr. Phulkumari Talukdar delivered a poignant account of the increasing incidence of tobacco-related cancers in the region, stressing the urgency of continuous dialogue and education. Meanwhile, Dr. Ratna Chakrabarty, District Nodal Officer of the District NCD Cell, spotlighted ongoing grassroots initiatives that are bringing anti-tobacco advocacy into the very fabric of local communities.

Adding a creative dimension to the campaign, a drawing competition on the theme “Tobacco Control” was held earlier at Goldighi Mall, where young artists wielded crayons and colour to portray the dangers of tobacco use. Their expressions found recognition at a prize distribution ceremony held in the Conference Hall of S.M. Devi Civil Hospital, where the message of awareness echoed once more—this time through the voices of children.

The day’s momentum carried into the streets as a series of street plays unfolded at four strategic locations across Silchar. With impassioned performances and relatable storytelling, these plays cast a glaring spotlight on the sinister grip of tobacco addiction, drawing crowds and igniting conversation.

A parallel awareness session was also hosted at M.A. Laskar Senior Secondary School in Baza Bazar, where students and teachers alike engaged in open dialogue about tobacco’s far-reaching consequences. These educational exchanges fostered not only awareness but also a renewed sense of responsibility among the youth—a demographic often targeted by the tobacco industry’s subtle but deadly marketing.

As World No Tobacco Day drew to a close, the town of Silchar stood a little taller—its message clearer, its voice louder, and its commitment stronger. In line with the global theme of shielding youth from industry manipulation and promoting a tobacco-free future, Silchar’s multi-pronged campaign was not merely a day’s affair but a rallying cry for lasting change.

This is stated in a press release issued from Regional office of Information & Public Relations Barak valley Zone Silchar Assam.