A Smoke-Free Tomorrow Starts Today

On June 26, 2025, Svarnim Puducherry’s ORC (Our Responsibility to Children) initiative observed the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking and World No Tobacco Day through an awareness program at Vallalar Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Lawspet, Puducherry.

The session was designed using a fun and activity-based approach to meaningfully engage the students. It began with an awareness segment that explored the harmful effects of tobacco consumption. A key message highlighted was: “Not all starters become addicts, but every addict was once a starter.” This drove home the point about the risks of social drinking, peer pressure, and casual tobacco use.

Students were guided to reflect on how peer influence, the need to “fit in,” and following the crowd can lead to poor life choices — resulting in health issues, emotional distress, strained family relationships, and wider social harm. The session also focused on the year’s global theme: “Bright Products, Dark Intentions,” emphasizing how colorful and flavored tobacco products, while appealing in appearance, are often more harmful and misleading in nature.

Many students expressed concern for friends and family members struggling with tobacco use. The ORC team responded by teaching supportive intervention techniques and offering continuous guidance — reinforcing our belief that community transformation begins with the individual but must also extend outward.