In a powerful move to address the alarming rate of tobacco-related deaths and substance abuse, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched a year-long awareness campaign on World No Tobacco Day at the Lok Seva Bhawan Convention Hall in Bhubaneswar.
The initiative, which aims to save lives and promote a healthier future, targets tobacco consumption, illicit liquor, and drug abuse through a structured four-phase program from May 31, 2025, to January 15, 2026.
The event underscored the grim reality that India loses approximately 14 lakh lives annually to tobacco-related causes, accounting for 10% of all deaths nationwide. “The only way to stop tobacco-related deaths is awareness,” declared CM Majhi, emphasising the urgency of educating the public, especially the youth, about the dangers of addiction. With a rallying cry of “Say No to Tobacco, Say Yes to Life,” he urged citizens to embrace a healthier lifestyle and reject harmful substances.
A Phased Approach to Awareness
The campaign unfolds in four strategic phases:
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Phase 1: May 31 to June 26, 2025 – Kickoff with statewide awareness drives.
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Phase 2: June 26 to August 15, 2025 – Intensified outreach and community engagement.
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Phase 3: October 2, 2025 – Focused events to sustain momentum.
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Phase 4: December 25, 2025, to January 15, 2026 – Culmination with widespread participation.
CM Majhi highlighted tobacco’s role as a leading cause of oral and lung cancer, noting, “Death is the only truth in this world, but does it need to be painful?” He called for collective action to take the campaign to every household, warning against deceptive advertisements that lure the youth into addiction.
Government’s Multi-Pronged Strategy
The state government is bolstering its efforts through coordinated action by the Excise Department, Home Department, and Narcotics Control Bureau to curb the spread of illicit liquor, toxic substances, and drugs. The Special Task Force (STF) has been empowered to tackle the smuggling of tobacco and narcotics. “A new excise policy will soon be formulated to impose strict controls on all forms of addictive substances,” the Chief Minister announced, signalling a robust crackdown on offenders.
During the event, CM Majhi unveiled a campaign logo, a TV spot, a theme song, and an awareness booklet to amplify the message. The initiative aims to reach the grassroots, ensuring every citizen understands the devastating health and social impacts of addiction.
Voices of Support
Law, Excise, and Public Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan echoed the urgency, stating, “The result of addiction is death. Raising awareness is our moral duty.” He revealed plans to strengthen penalties under the Excise Act, marking Odisha’s first comprehensive anti-addiction campaign. “We will take this message to the last person in society,” he pledged, inviting civil society and other departments to join the effort.
Ekamra-Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh linked addiction control to reduced crime, aligning the campaign with the vision of a prosperous, developed Odisha. “A society free of addiction is a society free of crime,” he said, advocating for firm action.
Padma Shri awardee and international sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik, the campaign’s brand ambassador, emphasised collective responsibility: “It’s our duty to take this movement to every home.” His involvement adds a creative and cultural dimension to the drive.
ALSO READ: World No Tobacco Day: Sudarsan Pattnaik Raises Awareness with Powerful Sand Art
A Call to Action
The event saw virtual participation from district collectors and excise officials across Odisha, reflecting statewide commitment. Excise Commissioner and Secretary Smt. Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar delivered the welcome address, while Odisha State Beverage Corporation Managing Director Ambar Kumar Kar offered the vote of thanks.
As Odisha embarks on this historic campaign, the message is clear: awareness, action, and unity are key to building a healthier, addiction-free future.
With tobacco claiming millions of lives and substances eroding communities, the state’s resolve to say “no” to addiction and “yes” to life marks a turning point in public health.
