[ Dr Sudhir Kumar Jena ]
Every year, the World No Tobacco Day is observed on 31 May across the globe to create awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco consumption. In India, where millions of people are directly or indirectly affected by tobacco addiction, the significance of this day is immense. The World No Tobacco Day 2026 reminds us that tobacco is not merely a habit; it is a major public health challenge that affects individuals, families, and the nation’s economy.
India is one of the largest consumers of tobacco in the world. According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS-2), nearly 28.6% of adults in India use tobacco in some form. The use of smokeless tobacco products such as gutkha, khaini, zarda, and pan masala remains highly prevalent, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. Cigarette and bidi smoking also continue to pose serious health risks among the younger generation.
The health consequences of tobacco consumption are alarming. The World Health Organisation estimates that tobacco kills more than 8 million people globally every year. In India alone, more than 1. 35 lakh people die annually due to tobacco-related diseases. Tobacco use is one of the leading causes of cancer, heart disease, stroke, chronic respiratory illness, and oral diseases. India accounts for one of the highest numbers of oral cancer cases in the world, largely due to the consumption of smokeless tobacco.
What is more concerning is the increasing exposure of youths to tobacco products. Attractive advertisements, peer pressure, stress, and the growing trend of vaping and nicotine products are influencing adolescents and young adults. Many begin using tobacco casually without understanding that addiction develops gradually and silently.
The economic burden of tobacco is equally serious. A large amount of household income is spent on tobacco products, especially among economically weaker sections of society. At the national level, the treatment of tobacco-related illnesses places enormous pressure on the healthcare system. Thus, tobacco not only damages health but also hampers social and economic development.
India has taken several important steps to control tobacco use. The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), prohibition of smoking in public places, pictorial health warnings on tobacco packets, and awareness campaigns by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare are commendable initiatives. However, stronger implementation, stricter monitoring, and continuous public awareness are still needed.
Educational institutions, libraries, universities, and community organisations can play a crucial role in spreading awareness. Teachers, librarians, health professionals, and parents must work together to educate the younger generation about the dangers of tobacco addiction. Awareness programmes, seminars, campaigns, and counselling services can encourage individuals to adopt a tobacco-free lifestyle.
The World No Tobacco Day is not merely an observance; it is a reminder of our collective responsibility towards society. Every individual who quits tobacco contributes towards building a healthier family and a stronger nation. The need of the hour is not only to discourage tobacco consumption but also to create a supportive environment for those trying to overcome addiction.
On this World No Tobacco Day, let us take a firm pledge to protect ourselves and future generations from the harmful effects of tobacco. A tobacco-free India will not only ensure better public health but will also contribute towards a more productive, aware, and prosperous society. (The writer is Librarian & Head of DLISc, Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills)
