Awareness Rally on World No Tobacco Day by Brahma Kumaris, Varanasi

On World No Tobacco Day an awareness rally was organised by Brahma Kumaris, Varanasi, on the topic of de-addiction of drugs, tabacco and alcohol. Mr. Ravindra Jaiswal, MLA of Varanasi, Mr. Vikas Vaidhya, S.P. Protocal, and Dr. V. P. Sinha, Chief Medical Officer of Varanasi, graced the event with their presence as guests of honor. BK Mohan and Social Activist O.N. Upadhyay also attended the event.

Chief Guest of the event, Mr. Ravindra Jaiswal, MLA of Varanasi, stated that for the country to become free of addiction, it is necessary to take a firm resolution. He also stated that this problem will not reach to its solution by mere organisation of rallies and speeches; it requires a change of thoughts. It is in desperate conditions that the youth of today’s generation extend their feet towards drugs and become addicted to them. Appreciating the hard work of the organizers, he stated that the result is clear as many have become free of addiction.

The Chief Guest of the event, Mr. Vikas Vaidhya, S.P. Protocal, stated that everyone knows drugs are harmful, but it becomes difficult to control once a person becomes addicted. He focused on the importance of listening to one’s inner voice. Mr. Ramsevak Yadav, Regional Officer, said that currently in India 35 crore people are consuming  tobacco, out of which 30% are female. Mentioning his concern over addiction of Iodex and Corex, he shared his experience of a raid at a ladies hostel where huge volumes of Iodex and Corex were seized.

Dr. V. P. Sinha, Chief Medical Officer of Varanasi, mentioned that self-control is the key to de-addiction. While mentioning the effect of drugs, he said that it effects every organ of the body, physically as well as mentally. Dr. Rajesh Singh, Principal of Queen’s College, said that to free the youth from the circle of addiction and to create a drug-free society, everyone needs to take cumulative steps.

BK Saroj shared her views by stating that the mere celebration of No Tobacco Day will not make any difference and that it is the inner determination and will that serves as the foundation for change. BK Anjali, BK Durga, and BK Chanda mentioned that addiction has become one of the major reasons of domestic violence and family disputes which gravely affects the mental health of children. For the happiness of our family, it is essential to stay away from drugs. It was organized by BK Dr. Taposi, and an oath to become free of addiction was stated by BK Poonam.