Judge expresses concerns over youth falling prey to cancer owing to tobacco use

The Hindu

31-05-2025

A significant number of young people are succumbing to cancer as a result of tobacco and smoking addictions, said senior civil judge and District Legal Services Authority member-secretary Srinivas Navale.
Speaking at an event commemorating World No Tobacco Day at Siddhartha Law College in Kalaburagi on Saturday, he described the trend as deeply concerning.
The programme, held under the theme 'Attractive Products, Deadly Intentions', was jointly organised by the district administration, the zilla panchayat, the District Legal Services Authority, the district Health and Family Welfare Department, the district tobacco control cell, the National Oral Health Programme, and the NSS unit of Siddhartha Law College.
After inaugurating the event by lighting the ceremonial lamp, Mr. Navale expressed concerns over young people increasingly falling prey to the tobacco menace, even after witnessing the visible distress faced by families when their children fall into harmful habits.
'Families are pushed into severe financial crisis and emotional turmoil, yet many youth remain unaware of the dangers. Scientific studies have shown that tobacco contains high levels of nicotine, a harmful component linked to cancer. The Supreme Court intervened and mandated that warning labels highlighting the adverse effects of tobacco be printed on product packaging,' he remarked, recalling how tobacco was first introduced to India by the Portuguese, and its consumption spread rapidly thereafter.
Urging students to steer clear of all vices, he emphasised the importance of knowledge and healthy living. 'Health is wealth,' he reminded the gathering.
Sharanabasappa Khyatanal, district health and family welfare officer, warned of the grave health risks posed by tobacco and cigarette consumption. 'Youngsters today are often influenced by film celebrities and are drawn into harmful habits. All departments must work together to raise awareness and build a healthier society,' he said.
Presiding over the event, Shantappa Sooran, general secretary of K.P.E. Society, Kalaburagi, called upon the youth to refrain from developing addictions and advised schools, colleges, and universities to educate students about the consequences of tobacco use.
Rakesh Kamble, district tobacco control officer, accused tobacco companies of using harmful substances and aggressive marketing tactics to increase sales and urged the government to take strict action to curb such practices.
As part of the World No Tobacco Day observance, Aarthi Dhanushree led participants in a pledge against tobacco use. Chandrashekhar Sheelavant, principal of Siddhartha Law College, delivered the welcome address.
Winner of various competitions organised to raise awareness about the adverse impacts of tobacco use — Syed Thaher Fatima, Prashant S., and and Sushma B.M. — were honoured with prizes. N.V. Noothan School was awarded for excellence in the slogan competition.