09-05-2025
Mothers Against Vaping urges Centre to take action against digital promotion of tobacco products
In the run-up to Mother's Day, Mothers Against Vaping – an organisation comprising mothers combating the vaping crisis among the youth – has appealed to the Centre to take decisive action against digital promotion of tobacco products.
In a statement issued on Friday, Mothers Against Vaping has emphasised that despite the enactment of laws specifically banning new age gateway products like vapes, e-cigarettes, and heat-not-burn products, they are being freely promoted and sold in the market. The group has appealed and written to the different ministries of the Centre – Home Affairs, Health and Family Welfare, Women and Child Development, Consumer Affairs, Electronics and Information Technology, and Information and Broadcasting – to address this issue in a coordinated manner.
Dr Bhawna Barmi, psychologist and member of Mothers Against Vaping, said the manufacturers of addictive products know very well that children and youth, being digital natives, are most effectively targeted through online platforms. 'By promoting sleek and appealing vape products across social media, they deliberately entice young minds to experiment with these harmful devices. At this vulnerable age, children and the youth are easily influenced by peer pressure and the desire to appear 'cool', often mimicking the behaviours they see in such digital promotions. Hence, to protect the health and future of our children, Mothers Against Vaping is urgently appealing to the honourable ministers to take decisive action so that such promotions are immediately removed and blocked on different social platforms,' Dr Barmi said.
Conversation on menopause
Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd is gearing up to celebrate Mother's Day with a twist. Namita Thapar, Whole-time Director, Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd, in a statement, said that the period between perimenopause and menopause marks a significant and challenging time for women – physically, emotionally, and mentally. 'The awareness initiative serves as a reminder that while our mothers may be silently enduring hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and more, the world around them remains largely unaware – or embarrassed to discuss it,' she said. A campaign video on social media features young adults with buckets of ice. Each of them takes a deep breath and dumps the ice water over their head – laughing, gasping, reacting with playful shock. As reactions unfold, a message appears on the screen. The text reads, 'The Ice Bucket Challenge may have ended…. but the heat didn't stop for our moms.'
