Roko Cancer Celebrated World No Tobacco Day, 2014 in association with IHC

Roko Cancer Charitable Trust, on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day, organized an Awareness Event. This event included a Skit and a Collage competition for the underprivileged children of Delhi-NCR, on 10^th May, 2014, in association with The India Habitat Centre. The event took place in the amphitheatre (with sun filters), 10 am onwards and was conducted and coordinated by Roko’s in-house doctors, Dr. Sakshi & Dr. Mahak Varma, who run successfully an Anti-Tobacco Campaign and can be contacted for Tobacco Cessation Counselling on Roko’s Medical Helpline.

Every year, on 31^stMay, WHO and partners mark World No Tobacco Day, highlighting the health risks associated with tobacco use and advocating for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption. The theme for 2014 being, “RAISE TAXES ON TOBACCO”!!!

Ms. Sudha Murgai, Director India, Roko Cancer said: Higher taxes are especially effective in reducing tobacco consumption among developing countries, lower-income groups and in preventing young people from starting to smoke.

WHO states that 13-15 years of age is the correct age to target the children from getting into this bad habit, as this is the age when children have more influence of their peers and indulge into such malpractice’s. Roko aims at correcting them and stopping them at this very tender age. This initiative was organized to nip this habit in the bud before it becomes an addiction. The theme of this event is“BE SMART, DON’T START” !!!

 Young and Dynamic out of school and underprivileged main stream schools came forward and portrayed their ideas against consumption of tobacco by making thoughtful collages. The children also presented their take on the theme by enacting them through skits. We had a total of 15 entries in collage making and 8 entries in Skit competition from a total of 9 organizations across Delhi working for the underprivileged children. We also had with us children from Habitat Learning Centre to present their ideas on Anti-Smoking. The first prize was won by Amba Foundation and Srijanatmak Manushi Sanstha (SMS) in Skit and Collage making competition respectively.

Roko firmly believes that these young children are the future of our country, and making them aware is hitting the bull’s eye, as they shall further spread the message to their friends and family and stop this menace.

To advocate for the cause and judge the competition we had with us on the occasion, Director-Designate, India Habitat Centre, Mr. Rakesh Kacker, Roko’s Director- India, Ms. Sudha Murgai; Renowned Lawyer, a motivational speaker and writer, Mr. Ashok Arora; Social Activist Ms. Neerja Sharma. Also to grace the occasion and support the cause, we had with us Director, India Habitat Center, Mr. Liberhan; CMD & Director of National Fertilizer Limited, Ms. Neeru Abrol.  Famous Fashion Designer, Ms. Anupamaa Dayal and Mr Ashok Arora.The prizes were given away by Director Mr Raj Liberahns.

Details:

• Time:   10.30 Am – 5Pm
• Venue: The India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi (Amphitheater)
• Contact Person: Mrs. Sudha Murgai, Director-India, Roko Cancer Charitable Trust
•  Contact Details: 9810092807, 011-2627062; dirindia@rokocancer.org