RAIPUR: College students of Gurukul Mahila Mahavidyalaya on Friday made an appeal to make tobacco control law stricter in an event organised to mark “World Heart Day”.

College National Service Scheme jointly with Voluntary Health Association of India (VHAI) and Indian Medical Association (IMA) organised the event.

About 250 girl students under in the program “Stay away from tobacco is important for healthy heart” took a pledge to make Chhattisgarh a tobacco free. They appealed to make tobacco control laws stricter and not to consume tobacco.

Dr. Rakesh Gupta, President of IMA Raipur said, “Today's youth is the future of tomorrow. Therefore, the role of youth is important in tobacco control. Both active and passive smoking should be stopped. The youth can take initiative to protect their families and society from the consumption of tobacco and its products.

Dr. Neha Sahu, State Advisor, State Tobacco Control Program, threw light on problems caused by exposure to tobacco and tobacco products. She urged the girl students not to use tobacco themselves and also not to use it among their family members.

Cardiologist MMI Hospital Dr. Sumanta Padhi said, “Tobacco companies give us diseases like cancer and heart as gifts.” He spoke on how tobacco damages the heart.

Cardiovascular surgeon, Sankalp Hospital, Dr. Nishant Chandel, said that nicotine is a stimulant which stimulates the body to work, it has an effect on our body in a few seconds. Sudden death may occur.

Secretary of Chhattisgarh Private School and College Association, Moti Jain threw light about the condition of many of his acquaintances due to consumption of tobacco products.

Voluntary Health Association's Akanksha spoke about the COTPA Act and why there is a need for amendment in it, whether amendment is necessary and what efforts the organization is making for it.

Vice Principal of the college, Dr. Rajesh Aggarwal thanked the team of Voluntary Health Association (VHAI) and Indian Medical Association (IMA) and assured that the  girl students will not consume tobacco and will be aware of it and will make efforts to get rid of the drug.