“My India, Addiction Free India” convention by Brahma Kumaris, Hathras

A convention was organised on the topic “My India, Addiction-Free India” by the Brahma Kumaris of Iglas, Uttar Pradesh. The program was graced by the presence of BK Urmila, Medical Wing, Prajapita Brahma Kumaris, Mount Abu; Ram Surat Pandey, Deputy Magistrate; S.P. Verma, Tehsildar; BK Hemlata, In-charge, Iglas; and many officers.

BK Urmila behen delivered a speech in which she stated that self-awareness is the key to staying safe from addiction. She said that cancer is caused mostly due to intoxicants; in tobacco more than 400 chemicals are found of which 48 generate cancer. She reported that people who chew tobacco generally develop mouth, tongue and throat cancer. Tobacco affects not only an individual but also their families and therefore it is high time to wake up and understand the harms from the use of tobacco.

BK Shanta, In-charge, Hathras Centre, highlighted the importance of spiritual knowledge, stating that if the element of spirituality is present in our lives, and we know ourselves and the Supreme Soul, this raises our self-confidence. For people who have received spiritual knowledge, freeing themselves from tobacco, bidi, cigarettes, etc. becomes easy compared to other people. She appealed to the people to take out 24 minutes from a 24-hour period, saying that instead of sleeping and eating all day, utilise the precious time to become successful.

Ram Surat Pandey, Deputy Magistrate, stated that knowledge is everywhere, and it is dependant on an individual to grasp it. He appealed to the audience to save loss of mind and wealth by the use of intoxicants.

Overall it was a successful event that motivated many to stop using tobacco.