A unique initiative by Bokaro Health Department to educate youth about tobacco’s dangers through art.
Bokaro: Keeping in mind World No Tobacco Day, the Bokaro Health Department has organized a painting competition in government and non-government schools across Bokaro to raise awareness about the harmful effects of the tobacco industry. The competition’s theme is ‘Tobacco Industry Interventions in Children,’ and it invites participation from students in classes 6 through 12, allowing them to submit their artwork online.
- Event Overview: The Bokaro Health Department is organizing a painting competition from May 31 to June 25 to raise awareness about the harmful effects of the tobacco industry among students in classes 6 to 12.
- Participation and Awards: Schools will select ten paintings each, and submit them online, and the Health Department will award shields and medals to 12 winners. Special awareness programs will also run alongside the competition.
- Health Impact: The initiative aims to address the increasing tobacco addiction among youth in Jharkhand, where 146 children aged 13 to 15 are getting addicted to tobacco daily, leading to severe health issues like cancer and stunted physical and mental development.
The competition will run from May 31 to June 25. During this period, each participating school in Bokaro will select ten standout paintings and send them to the Health Department via email and WhatsApp. The Health Department will then choose 12 winners, who will be awarded shields and medals for their efforts. Alongside the competition, special awareness programs will also be held from May 31 to June 25 to further educate the community about the dangers of tobacco.
The campaign addresses a critical issue in Jharkhand, where youth aged between 13 to 15 are increasingly falling prey to tobacco addiction. Bokaro Civil Surgeon Dinesh Kumar highlighted that this painting competition aims to nurture the artistic talents of children while simultaneously educating them about the perils of tobacco use. “Through this competition, children will not only grasp the harmful effects of tobacco but will also express their understanding creatively,” he said.
This initiative is designed to foster greater awareness among children and keep them away from tobacco consumption. The Global Adult Tobacco Survey indicates that every day, 146 youths aged 13 to 15 in Jharkhand become addicted to tobacco, a troubling statistic given the severe health risks, including cancer and impaired physical and mental development.
