BREAK THE ILLUSION, BREATHE A NEW LIFE: SRMS INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES LEADS THE FIGHT AGAINST TOBACCO

World No Tobacco Day (on May 31, 2025) sparks a powerful movement for a healthier, tobacco-free tomorrow!

Tobacco doesn’t just take lives—it hides behind glamorised marketing while quietly destroying millions. On World No Tobacco Day (May 31, 2025), SRMS Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS), Bareilly, in partnership with RR Cancer Institute & Research Centre, pulled back the curtain on this deadly illusion with a day filled with powerful actions, heartfelt pledges, and eye-opening truths.

“Bright Products. Dark Intentions. Unmasking the Appeal”—echoing this year’s WHO theme, SRMS IMS tackled the slick packaging and deceptive allure of tobacco and nicotine products, exposing their brutal impact on health and life expectancy.

The day saw an awareness rally, from the old to the new Cancer OPD, where passionate participants marched with bold slogans and placards, rallying the community to rethink their choices and recognize tobacco’s deadly grip. Continuing further with an expert-led health talk, at the hospital food court, medical specialists revealed how early signs like mouth ulcers, voice changes, or blood in stool are often ignored until it’s too late. With nearly 70% of cancer cases linked to tobacco, speakers stressed the urgent need for early detection and lifestyle changes. Thereafter, a stirring Nukkad Natak performance at the main hospital reception brought the harsh realities of tobacco-related illnesses to life, reminding everyone that these aren’t distant dangers but present threats. Towards the end, a powerful oath for a tobacco-fee life was pledged, wherein, students, staff, and visitors came together to ‘say no to tobacco’ as an ambassadors for change.