News
WLF stages anti-tobacco campaign in India
Thousands march against tobacco use in a rally organized by the World Lung Foundation-South Asia. Tobacco is a growing concern in India, where, according to Agence-France Presse, about 2,200 people die everyday from tobacco use.
The World Lung Foundation South Asia (WLF-SA) recently completed a successful anti-tobacco campaign, mobilizing thousands of students against the increasing consumption of cigarettes among India's one billion citizens. Local government officials, private sector representatives, and cricket star Kapil Dev participated in one of India's first mass demonstrations proclaiming the dangers of tobacco use.
Over 1,200 students and teachers attended educational presentations held by WLF-SA in colleges throughout Delhi in the fall of 2006. Twenty-five colleges opted to join an anti-tobacco essay contest; three students from each college won prizes for their essays outlining the harmful effects of tobacco use and related policy issues.
The campaign culminated in a street play and march held in Delhi on December 12, 2006. Thousands of passers-by watched the 20-minute street show that started the rally. During the show, attendees also visited an exhibition on the harmful effects of tobacco that was sponsored by one of India's largest banks.
The march was begun by Delhi's Health Minister. About 2,500 walked, snaking through Delhi University's urban campus. Students chanted and carried signs stating the dangers of tobacco. At the end of the march, the Vice-Chancellor of Delhi University led the participants in making a vocal commitment not to use tobacco.
The Campaign was widely covered in local media, including All India Radio, a TV station, and nineteen newspapers. WLF-SA's efforts are a very visible example of how personal commitment and just a minimal amount of funds can be used to raise awareness and political commitment among thousands.