Pics: Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)

Mangaluru, Jun 8: In an effort to make the society healthier and create awareness about the ill effects of smoking and tobacco consumption, Superhits 93.5 Red FM organized an anti-tobacco campaign on the theme 'Stop it, it's time' at Unity Hospital here on Monday June 8.

The campaign was launched by Mangaluru City Corporation mayor Jacintha Alfred by signing her name.

Addressing the gathering, Jacintha Alfred said, "Smoking has many ill effects. It not only affects the smokers but also the people around them. Everyone should resolve not to smoke. I appreciate the efforts of Red FM in taking up such a good cause."

Dr C P Habeeb Rahman, chairman and medical director of Unity Hospital said, "Today tobacco is seen from a business point of view. Smoking has many ill effects - it can cause cancer, heart ailments and so on. Youngsters especially should not fall prey to smoking."

Noted Tulu actor Naveen D Padil said, "I need not tell the ill effects of smoking as everyone knows about it. We need to stop smoking so that coastal region becomes tobacco-free. This is a good initiave by Red FM."

Shodhan Prasad, producer of 'Dhand' and 'Nirel' movies said, "Smoking not only effects us but also the people around us. So we need to quit smoking. Why should we trouble ourselves and others by smoking?

"Now that we have undertaken Swacch Bharat Abhiyan we have to keep our city also clean. Chewing tobacco and spitting it everywhere affects the cleanliness of the city. Consumption of tobacco will also result in many health problems. I request all smokers to quit smoking," he urged.

Dr Jalaluddin, cancer surgeon, Ajmal Habeeb of Unity Health Complex, actress Shilpa Suvarna, Anvita Sagar and others also signed the anti-tobacco campaign.