Press Information Bureau (PIB), Hyderabad organised a ‘VARTA’ Media Interaction Session on the occasion of ‘No Smoking Day’, with the theme “A Smoke-Free Life Starts with a Smoke-Free Day”, at CGO Towers, Hyderabad yesterday. The programme aimed at raising awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use and encouraging people to quit smoking.

 

In her inaugural address, Smt. Shruti Patil, Additional Director General, PIB Hyderabad, highlighted the importance of awareness and collective efforts in promoting a smoke-free lifestyle. She also encouraged the media to play a key role in spreading the message of a tobacco-free society.

 

Underlining the importance of ‘No Smoking Day’, Dr. Manas Krishnakanth, Deputy Director, PIB Hyderabad, said that PIB Hyderabad organised ‘VARTA’, an interactive session with journalists on No Smoking Day to create awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco consumption. He further urged the media to take the campaign to the masses and help make India a smoke-free country.

 

Highlighting the role of the media in taking campaigns such as ‘No Smoking Day’ to the grassroots level, Jithender, IEC Officer, said that passive smoking is equally dangerous as active smoking. He stressed that the media plays a crucial role in spreading awareness about the harmful effects of smoking and its prevention.

 

Dr. G. Srigana, WHO Consultant, Jithender, IEC Officer, Raghunandan Maachana, Tobacco Control Hero Awardee, along with senior journalists, and officials and staff from PIB, CBC and other organisations, participated in the event. —–EoM