Leh, Sept 24: The Health Department, under the National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP), has launched the Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 2.0 at Leh Main Bazar. This two-month initiative aims to raise awareness among the youth of Ladakh about the dangers of tobacco, alcohol, and drug use.
Dr. Rinchen Angmo, State Nodal Officer for NTCP Ladakh, welcomed attendees and highlighted the campaign’s significance. She presented five strategies to achieve its objectives: strengthening the Tobacco-Free School initiative for 100% compliance, promoting Tobacco-Free Villages with national support, enforcing COTPA and PECA laws to prohibit public smoking and e-cigarettes, raising awareness about other addictions through social media and legal measures, and providing resources like de-addiction centers and the Tele-MANAS helpline for mental health support.
Dr. Stanzin Jamyang, NTCP District Consultant for Leh, emphasized the goal of establishing 160 tobacco-free schools and 20 villages. He underlined the importance of media outreach and strict law enforcement, along with mobile counseling services to enhance the campaign’s success.
Chief Guest ADDC Leh Sonam Norboo urged community members—including parents, schools, and local bodies—to collaborate in creating a Tobacco-Free Society. He stressed the need for discussions on the harmful effects of smoking and encouraged students to educate their families about tobacco risks.
The event featured captivating performances by local artists and it also includes traditional Yak and Shondol dances by the Yaya Group and a Nukkad Natak by Ladakh University students, which enriched the cultural atmosphere and reinforced the campaign’s message.
The campaign concluded with a vote of thanks from Dr. Yangchen Dolma, District Health Officer, who expressed gratitude to all participants and partners for their support.
The Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 2.0 aims to foster a healthier, tobacco-free future for the youth of Ladakh through enhanced awareness, law enforcement, and community engagement
