Reinforcing its commitment to public health and the well-being of its citizens, the Government of Meghalaya today took another definitive step toward realizing the vision of a “Tobacco-Free Meghalaya.” Organized by the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) under NHM Meghalaya, a comprehensive state-level event themed “Tobacco: Business of Death” was held today at the Windermere Hotel, Umpling.
This initiative is a component of the State’s broader developmental goal, highlighting a unified, multi-departmental synergy designed to combat consumption of tobacco. By prioritizing grassroots community mobilization and youth engagement, the State aims to foster a lasting shift across the region, safeguarding the future of Meghalaya.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Ramkumar S, IAS, Secretary, Health & Family Welfare Department cum Mission Director, National Health Mission, Meghalaya, underscored tobacco as a critical gateway substance that leads to severe long-term health risks. Reflecting on the role of youth advocacy, he noted, “I realized the impact of this signature campaign which has taken to the level of schools and any of this level of impact is possible only if more and more people join the campaign.” Noting that over 60% of Meghalaya’s population is under 25 years of age, he called for expanding campaigns into all district headquarters through strong multi-stakeholder partnerships.
Shri Abhilash Baranwal, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District, cautioned the youth against initial tobacco use driven by curiosity and peer pressure. Urging students to stand firm against social pressure, he emphasized, “Real freedom and real courage is not in giving in, is not in fitting in. It is in standing out when the atmosphere around you is asking you to do something that you know innately is wrong. The exercise of freedom and the exercise of courage is in saying no to them.” He called upon the youth to be supportive peers by guiding their friends away from tobacco to help shape a “Tobacco-Free Meghalaya.”
Smt Richa Kulkarni, IAS, Director of School Education and Literacy (DSEL), Meghalaya, highlighted that the Tobacco-Free Educational Institution (ToFEI) initiative has reached nearly 6 lakh students across 10,000+ schools in the State. Emphasizing early prevention, she noted that engaging youth through school activities equips them to act as health ambassadors. Commending inter-departmental efforts, she celebrated Meghalaya’s emergence as a top-performing state in tobacco control and praised students for driving this critical change.
Shri Ivan Diengdoh, MPS, Additional Superintendent of Police, East Khasi Hills District, detailed key aspects of the Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), cautioning students about the legal prohibitions surrounding public smoking, tobacco advertising, and the sale of tobacco to or by minors. He shared that the Meghalaya Police prioritize spreading awareness among youth, vendors, and communities, appealing everyone to help build a tobacco-free state.
Dr. Nabaneeta D. Mawrie, Sr Dental Surgeon, NTCP, noted that over the past five years, the Tobacco Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) initiative has achieved 85% school coverage across 11 districts. This effort has empowered over 28,000 teachers, involved 7.3 lakh students, and facilitated 3.7 lakh anti-tobacco on-ground activities. In just three years the ToFEI program has successfully made 83% of colleges tobacco-free. As one of India’s largest community-led tobacco control initiatives, Tobacco Free Village program, currently has 81% (1,052) active Village Health Councils (VHCs). The recent WNTD 2026 campaign ensured every school conducts a rally and signature campaign. During this period, over 2,300 principals and teachers were trained, 60 committees were established at the block, district, and state levels, and multi-tier awards provided vital recognition.
The event celebrated the efforts driving the movement by presenting awards to top-performing VHC’s, schools, students, law enforcement units, and district administrators for their exceptional performance in the anti-tobacco campaigns. The participants also took a pledge for a “Tobacco Free Meghalaya”
The session featured performances, including an invocation song by the Byrki Choir from West Khasi Hills, an interactive session by Kynpham Syiem Lamurong, short play by Women’s College, and a musical drama by St. Edmund College. Open house quiz competitions and a poster competition further cemented the active participation of the attendees, ensuring the anti-tobacco message resonated on a every level.
