Kolkata, May 30, 2026: Reinforcing its commitment to preventive healthcare and public awareness, Manipal Hospitals East organized a large-scale awareness initiative and Principals’ Conclave on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day, bringing together healthcare experts, educators, students, and celebrities to promote a tobacco-free future.
The event served as a platform for meaningful discussions on the health risks associated with smoking and tobacco consumption, while emphasizing the importance of early intervention, counseling, and sustained awareness among young people. The initiative highlighted the collective role of educational institutions, healthcare organizations, families, and communities in encouraging healthier lifestyle choices.
The conclave witnessed participation from leading medical experts, including Dr. Kunal Sarkar, Dr. Dilip Kumar, Dr. Sourav Datta, Dr. Debraj Jash, Dr. Harsh Dhar, Dr. Kinshuk Chatterjee, Dr. Sudeep Das, Dr. Debanjali Datta, and Arunima Datta.
Senior leadership from the hospital network, including Deepak Venugopal and Dr. Ayanabh Debgupta, also attended the programme.
Adding wider public appeal to the initiative, renowned singer Anupam Roy and actor Debapriyo Mukherjee joined the awareness campaign. Prominent academicians and students from institutions including Loreto College and Jadavpur University also actively participated in the discussions.
Experts from oncology, cardiology, and pulmonology departments delivered presentations highlighting the growing health burden caused by tobacco use and smoking-related diseases. The programme featured interactive panel discussions on combating nicotine addiction and leveraging social influence and celebrity advocacy to encourage healthier choices among young people.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Sourav Datta noted that tobacco remains one of the leading causes of preventable cancers and life-threatening illnesses globally. He stressed the urgent need for awareness as smoking and vaping habits continue to gain exposure among younger populations.
Dr. Kunal Sarkar emphasized the importance of educational institutions in driving long-term behavioral change, stating that collaborative initiatives between colleges and healthcare organizations can significantly influence students toward healthier decisions.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Ayanabh Debgupta highlighted the growing concern of tobacco use among adolescents and reiterated Manipal Hospitals’ commitment to preventive healthcare beyond hospital walls. He said awareness initiatives within educational institutions are crucial to addressing early exposure and peer influence among youth.
The World No Tobacco Day initiative reflects Manipal Hospitals’ broader vision of strengthening preventive healthcare, promoting informed lifestyle choices, and reducing the burden of tobacco-related diseases through community engagement and education.
Key Highlights
- World No Tobacco Day awareness campaign organized by Manipal Hospitals East.
- Principals, students, doctors, and celebrities participated in the conclave.
- Focus on tobacco prevention, smoking cessation, and youth awareness.
- Expert sessions from oncology, cardiology, pulmonology, and psychology specialists.
- Interactive discussions on addiction, social influence, and healthier lifestyle choices.
- Strong emphasis on preventive healthcare and early intervention among young people.
