Smoking is a habit that most of us have come to accept within the fabric of our society. This has been achieved through millions of subtle and not so subtle messages, targeted towards every kind of person. The result is an environment that is informed, yet oblivious to the dangers of an addiction, which has implications that are far more serious than substance abuse. The problem stares us in our face, with figures to support the number of deaths due to smoking related illnesses. Despite this, we don’t address the issue with requisite seriousness. The youth needs a wake up call, because the age group spanning 14-21 is extremely vulnerable. Most individuals experiment at this age. Younger kids are fascinated by collegians who smoke. The media and its icons don’t help either. The coolness quotient of the cigarette is a misnomer. There is nothing cool about the consequences that come with the addiction. It is essential to propagate intolerance against smoking, in a focused manner, so that the youth is receptive towards it - which is where we step in.
Our approach towards the issue of tobacco abuse tobacco abuse is putting it in the ‘Lifestyle’ space, as opposed to the standard ‘Public service’ messages. We want to make Smoke Free ‘Fashionable’. We are the youth’s voice, talking to our contemporaries. We are toying with a bundle of event ideas, which we think will be able to break the ice with the youth and peg the proposition of staying smoke free, as an attractive option. From smoke free parties, to college festivals, from fund-raisers to a ground event the options for your involvement are innumerable.
We have successfully organized a rock concert – SWAT: Live & Loud and broken the popular association of rock with smoking by making them completely smoke free. The success of the event made the statement - “You don’t need to smoke to have a good time, or enjoy good music” – loud and clear. We believe that the youth, at large is aware of all the perils of tobacco abuse. They just need a push in the right direction to adopt a firm stand against smoking and tobacco abuse. We are aiming at instilling that spirit and drive in the movement.
Our purpose is to propagate a long standing youth movement against the usage of tobacco, by encouraging active involvement in the delivery of the anti tobacco message. The tone that we have chosen to take is light hearted and "fun", at the outset. By and large, this is the best way to involve students across the board to work for the cause. The message gradually permeates, as it has in the case of many students working on the various activities conducted.
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