Stub the Butt, Save a Life!

As today is World No Tobacco Day 2025, India's leadership in the tobacco control campaign is more recognized. The message is straightforward and urgent: "Tobacco targets the future".

- Dr Harshita Mittal Dani

As the world observes World No Tobacco Day on May 31, India is taking the lead in the worldwide fight against tobacco addiction.

This year's theme-"Protecting Youth from Tobacco Industry Interference"—is a striking reminder of the critical need to shield young brains from tobacco firms' deceptive and hazardous marketing practices. It is spearheaded by the World Health Organization (WHO).

India, with over 267 million tobacco smokers, has one of the world's highest rates of tobacco-related illnesses and deaths. Every year, almost 1.35 million Indians die as a result of tobacco usage, while countless more suffer from devastating diseases such as cancer, chronic lung issues, and heart problems. What's more concerning is the rising popularity of e-cigarettes and vaping among Indian youth, which is often influenced by social media trends and peer pressure. According to a recent national poll, despite regulatory limitations, more than 15% of urban youths have tried nicotine products such as flavored vapes and smokeless tobacco.