The World No Tobacco Day (WNTD’26) campaign strengthened Meghalaya’s Tobacco Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) initiative, promoting tobacco-free educational institutions through the collective efforts of government departments, educational institutions, civil society organisations and local communities.
This WNTD’26 every school/college was tasked to do two activities: Rally against tobacco and a signature campaign where students conducted rallies & collected signatures from family members, neighbours, friends and villagers. Meghalaya recorded its largest-ever school and college mobilisation against tobacco use, with 9,312 schools and 55 colleges participating in the World No Tobacco Day (WNTD’26) campaign. Conducted under the theme “Tobacco! Business of DEATH” from 6 April to 10 June 2026, the campaign was jointly led by the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) under National Health Mission and the Department of Education, Government of Meghalaya in partnership with Sambandh Health Foundation. Remarkably, students collected over 25 lakh signatures from the community and engaged more than 6 lakh students in anti-tobacco awareness rallies across the state.
Observed annually on 31 May, World No Tobacco Day raises awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use and encourages collective action to protect children and youth from tobacco addiction.
To recognise outstanding efforts, awards were presented at the block, district and state levels. Schools were evaluated across four categories- Primary, Upper Primary, Secondary and Higher Secondary through a transparent three-tier selection process led by Block, District and State Award Committees.
Dr. Nabaneeta D. Mawrie, State Nodal Officer, NTCP Meghalaya, said:
“Tobacco not only claims the lives of its primary consumers but also harms our environment. With 47% of adults (aged 15+) in our state using this product, it results in the deaths of 8,000 people annually in Meghalaya. We are committed to implementing the ToFEI strategy as one of our region’s most effective measures to reduce tobacco prevalence.”
Smt. Richa Kulkarni, IAS, State Project Director, SEMAM–Samagra Shiksha, Meghalaya, said:
“Building a tobacco-free Meghalaya requires sustained commitment, strong partnerships, and the active involvement of our educational institutions. The engagement of 9,312 schools in the WNTD’26 Campaign reflects this shared resolve and reinforces the pivotal role of schools in nurturing informed, confident, and responsible future citizens. Together, we are investing in the health and well-being of generations to come.”
Smt. Jennyfer J. Synrem, State Nodal Officer – ToFEI, Department of Education, Meghalaya, added:
“The participation of 9,312 schools in the WNTD’26 Campaign reflects the strong leadership of our Principals, the continuous commitment of our teachers and the collective efforts of the education system. 8,940 schools conducted anti-tobacco rallies and 8,077 schools organised signature campaigns involving students, teachers, parents and community members. Among colleges, 50 organised rallies, 46 conducted signature campaigns and 15,458 students participated in awareness activities.
Together, these efforts are not only raising awareness but also paving the way for a healthier, tobacco free future for our children.”
