Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Tobacco needs to be banned' that was published in Newsband

Tobacco needs to be banned

In spite of the fact that tobacco is injurious to health many tobacco companies have unabashedly continued to improvise strategies to build their customer base. We have many children who are eager to try their first cigarette. The smoking habit kills prematurely a huge number of people. In India, tobacco use causes a million deaths every year.

Effective measures need to be taken by the government to reduce smoking. The country needs to do something drastic to battle tobacco use.

A group of scientists have found a direct link between smoking and many diseases, including Type II diabetes and liver cancer. India is lacking the effective and judicious rational approach to curb the smoking and use of tobacco. The recent data suggest that in India women smoking has taken a leap in recent years. Talking about the youth, most of them start smoking to show off and get popularity in their circle of friends.

The government should not only implement strict rule for tobacco and smoking company but also make aware of the dangerous and hazardous effect of these substances by using advertisement in newspaper and TV using the effective medium of popular celebrity. Besides, there should be prevention and control of illegal selling of tobacco, mostly in rural area. The alternative of tobacco and smoking which are not dangerous for human health and which would be very beneficial in long run can be sorted out because immediate control and strict action will lead to more illegal selling and chaos.

One of our major problems is chewing tobacco - very prevalent in the rural areas. It should be a priority target area. There should be implementation of the laws about smoking in public areas strictly. And citizens should not hesitate to object when someone smokes in the bus or train, irrespective of snide remarks that would be made. It is worthwhile in the long run.

Straightaway ban on Tobacco won't do any good as it will just create an illegal market. Everybody is quite aware about the harmful effects of smoking but still it doesn't stop them.

There is a need for a better design and delivery of advertisements, more number of Celebrity Idols endorsing the Anti-tobacco campaign showing the crass reality of how tobacco affects people. Also an emotional connect to the smoker should be made. He should be made to realize how ultimately it's going to affect his health which in turn can affect his/her family/friends. Also improving education standard can prevent the menace of smoking effectively, not just laws.

Hazardous businesses like Tobacco Industry should be banned once and for all. These life threatening instruments in the hands of young college children as well brings real pity. In fact the usage of cigarette has become a style statement in several metros with the college kids falling a prey to peer pressure in order to maintain their 'status'. Doesn’t this indicate the fall of ideology?