Let’s blow bubbles instead of smoke
CHENNAI: Good things come in small packages — this phrase couldn’t be truer for the bunch of tiny tots who came together to fight against tobacco use recently. On the occasion of World No Tobacco Day and Global Bubbles Day, members of the Mary Anne Charity Trust (MACT) in association with their flagship programme ‘Children Against Tobacco (CAT)’ assembled at Besant Nagar beach to fight for tobacco-free beaches.
The event conducted to create a fresh and clean environment, saw a group of kids and adults on a rally, as they walked blowing bubbles in the air. It was inaugurated by the chief guest, A Aakash, a Class 3 student, who has been fighting against substance abuse since he was five.
“A lot of people die because of substance abuse. Many families lose their loved ones. Smoking can be dangerous and harmful. We should fight and protest against this,” said Aakash.
Tarun, a coordinator, spoke about the dangers of tobacco use and said, “I have been part of CAT for various projects and will continue to fight since it’s for a good cause. People should think about the harmful effects of tobacco use, and prevent others too from it,” he said.
Cyril Alexander, executive director, MACT said, “We are urging the government to come up with tobacco-free beaches and this is our first step in the fight against tobacco.”
Every year, many people die of cancer and other related diseases as a result of tobacco use and such events are an eye-opener to the associated risks. MACT is planning to launch CAT in various schools across the city.