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ILOA AND IDF JOIN HANDS TO
HOST EYE-OPENING ANTI-
VAPING AWARENESS
PROGRAMME
The enlightening Anti-Vaping Orientation He encouraged students to take a firm stand and
conducted on 16th April 2025 at Indian Learners’ say “No” to smoking and vaping before they even
Own Academy proved to be an eye-opener for begin. Practical advice was also shared for
students, shedding light on the alarming students whose parents smoke, empowering
consequences of tobacco use and vaping. The them to be positive influencers at home. The
session commenced with a warm welcome session then shifted focus to vaping, a growing
speech, followed by the Principal extending a trend among youth. Dr. Kumar explained that
gracious welcome to the guest speaker, Dr. Sunil vaping is a form of electronic smoking, often
Kumar. A distinguished Paediatric Surgeon from marketed by companies like Jewellery, which
Ibn Sina Hospital, Kuwait, Dr. Kumar was design devices resembling fashionable jewellery
honoured with a plant as a token of gratitude. His to appeal to teenagers.
vast medical experience, research contributions, The harmful substances present in vaping
and international recognition set the tone for an products, including flavouring agents linked to
impactful session. health conditions like “popcorn lung,” were
The orientation began with a strong message: discussed in detail. He also addressed the dangers
“You have to stop before you start,” emphasising of secondhand vapour and thirdhand aerosol
early prevention of tobacco and nicotine exposure. Students were taught how to identify
addiction. Dr. Kumar highlighted the importance signs of e-cigarette use and were reminded of the
of WHO’s World No Tobacco Day and addressed importance of simply saying “No” to peer
the widespread availability of tobacco-based pressure.
consumer products in India. He pointed out that In the final moments of the session, Dr. Sunil
smoking habits usually begin during the teenage Kumar urged all students to take a firm oath to
years and not in adulthood, making it crucial to stay away from tobacco and vaping. He
spread awareness among the youth. encouraged them to make smart and healthy
Students were then introduced to the severe choices that support both physical and mental
health consequences of smoking, including well-being. The students pledged to lead a
various life-threatening diseases. The speaker tobacco-free life and to inspire others to do the
explained how the addictive nature of tobacco same. The programme concluded with a heartfelt
products is often masked behind attractive vote of thanks, marking the end of a truly eye-
packaging. Reinforcing the message, he warned, opening and empowering session that left a
“Once you start, you may not be stopped ever.” lasting impression on everyone present.
The session also explored the reasons children
might take up smoking, such as peer pressure,
enticing advertisements, and common
misconceptions among teenagers. Dr. Kumar
addressed these false beliefs and elaborated on
the different types of lung cancer, reassuring
students that “cancer is just a word; it’s not a
sentence.” Using visuals, he explained the
difference between benign and malignant
tumours and stressed the adverse effects of
smoking on unborn babies.
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