Doom! This one word sums up the entire experience of being addicted to tobacco. Once a man gets into the clutches of this monster, his future is bleak. He can only grope in the never ending darkness, completely ridden by agony and sorrow. Tobacco is rapidly becoming a social evil. It is not common to see doctors also reach out for the cigarette. Well, now it is time to take an insight into the causes responsible for consumption of tobacco on such a large scale. First of all, the youth of our country are being lured into the web of tobacco through advertisements which associate them with vigour and gusto.
What starts as an attempt to experience the joy of smoking a cigarette, ends up in death ultimately. Secondly, the colossal criminal base in our country, the criminal-politician nexus and widespread international trade in tobacco do their bit in promoting tobacco addiction. What is needed is the rise of public opinion. This is difficult in India due to illiteracy and, absence of awareness and information. Also the very fact that tobacco as an industry feeds thousands of stomachs, hampers all efforts to banish tobacco. These men, whose life depends on the survival of this industry are, consequently, the ones who rise up, before anybody else, to protest against any measures to free society from tobacco. Cigarette, beedis and pan masala cause an uncountable number of diseases. It is well-known that consumption of tobacco causes cancer. And how can we forget the bronchial and pulmonary diseases. Also, the incidence of heart diseases amongst tobacco addicts is very high.
It is believed that one filter cigarette smoked lowers the lifespan of a human being by about five minutes. And yes! the smoker himself is not the only one who suffers. The ones who live in his vicinity - the ``passive smokers'' also stand to lose. Next, smoking also causes pollution of the environment. The toxic smoke which originates from a cigarette or a bidi ruins our flora and fauna.
Then, any economy also suffers because of tobacco consumption. This is so because tobacco lowers efficiency of its work force by adversely affecting health. This, consequently, results in poverty of people.
The youth have to take the initiative and vow that they will never consume tobacco and recommend the same to others. The government should enforce stricter laws against advertising of tobacco products. Then, we need to form social opinion against tobacco-consumption through publicity and propaganda.
A larger amount of money should be given to organisations working in this direction.Remember! It is already high time and we have to be quick to act. Our speedy action will ensure better health and a cleaner and greener world.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
