SUBHASH MISHRA
Deoghar, Oct 9: The Deoghar district administration on Thursday launched a 60-day Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign under the National Tobacco Control Program to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco and encourage the younger generation to stay away from addiction.
Deputy Commissioner Naman Priyesh Lakra inaugurated the campaign from the Collectorate. Speaking at the launch, he said the initiative seeks to engage the community—especially the youth—in adopting a healthy and tobacco-free lifestyle.
On this occasion, the DC administered an oath to officials and employees to refrain from using tobacco and urged them to sign a pledge against substance abuse. He also flagged off an awareness vehicle to spread information about the ill effects of tobacco across the district.
Also Read- Hungarian author Laszlo Krasznahorkai wins 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature
New Strategy with Wider Public Participation
Lakra said this is the third phase of the Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign, being organized with a renewed strategy and greater public involvement. The 60-day initiative will focus on sensitizing young people to the dangers of tobacco use, promoting a drug-free lifestyle, and making Deoghar a tobacco-free district.
He further informed that NGOs and voluntary organizations will actively participate in the campaign. Special emphasis will be laid on declaring educational institutions and villages tobacco-free zones, along with fostering a positive attitude towards a tobacco-free way of life.
Collective Effort to Protect Future Generations
The Deputy Commissioner appealed to all sections of society to extend their support, stressing that collective efforts are crucial to protect future generations from the dangers of tobacco addiction.
Also Read- India-UK formalize trade agreement during Modi-Starmer meeting
Deputy Development Commissioner Piyush Sinha, Civil Surgeon Dr. Yugal Kishore Chaudhary, District Transport Officer Shailesh Priyadarshi, Assistant Public Relations Officer Rohit Kumar Vidyarthi, DPM Neeraj Bhagat, the DMFT team, and several other officials were present at the launch event.
