With a focus on protecting young people from tobacco addiction, the Health Department, Leh, launched the Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 4.0 at Main Market, near Staksang Raspa Statue, on November 2. The programme began with an awareness rally aimed at encouraging people, particularly the youth, to understand the harmful effects of tobacco consumption and take steps towards building a tobacco-free society.
 
Organised under the theme "Healthy Youth, Tobacco-Free Ladakh," the campaign brought together officials from various departments, healthcare professionals, police personnel, students and other participants to spread awareness about tobacco use and its impact on health.
  
In her welcome address, Chief Medical Officer, Leh, Dr. Rinchen Chosdol, welcomed the dignitaries, officials, healthcare professionals, media representatives and students. She thanked the Chief Guest and the Police Department for their support, saying that protecting young people from tobacco addiction requires collective efforts from all sections of society. She also encouraged students to become ambassadors of the campaign and spread awareness among their peers. She appreciated the Ladakh Police Band for adding energy to the programme.
 
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Stanzin Jamyang, District Consultant, National Tobacco Control Programme, said that efforts to control tobacco consumption should continue beyond the launch event. He stressed that government departments, social organisations and the public must work together to discourage tobacco use and prevent addiction.
 
Sharing the progress of the tobacco-free village initiative, he informed that 156 villages have been identified as tobacco-free, while 42 villages are yet to achieve the status. He also highlighted the possible link between tobacco consumption and substance abuse and called for greater awareness and responsibility at the individual and community levels.
 
He further informed that a 60-day awareness drive will be conducted as part of the campaign to encourage public participation and bring sustained behavioural changes.
 
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Dr. Tashi Thinless highlighted the serious health consequences of tobacco consumption, particularly its association with different types of cancer and other life-threatening diseases. He stressed the importance of preventive measures and awareness, especially among young people.
 
The issue of substance abuse was also discussed during the programme. Manzoor Ahmad, SHO Leh spoke about the growing challenge of drug abuse in Leh and the measures being taken by the Police Department to control the supply of narcotic substances. He informed that an Anti-Narcotics Task Force has been established to strengthen enforcement efforts and take action against drug-related activities.
 
Consultant Psychiatrist Tashi Tundup spoke about the psychological factors that contribute to addiction and its effects on the mental and physical well-being of individuals. He highlighted the importance of early intervention, awareness and proper support, particularly for young people.
 
Dr. Lotus Gyalson, Consultant Physician and DM Cardiologist at SNM Hospital, Leh, also spoke about the health complications associated with tobacco consumption. He explained its harmful effects on different organs of the human body and stressed the need for prevention and early awareness.
 
Students also played an active role in the programme. A street play (Nukkad Natak) presented by students of Boys Higher Secondary School, Leh, highlighted the harmful effects of tobacco and conveyed a message against its use. The Ladakh Police Band also performed during the event.
 
The programme further included a No Tobacco Pledge, in which participants reaffirmed their commitment to promoting a tobacco-free environment. Certificates of participation and mementoes were also distributed in recognition of the contributions of participating institutions and individuals.
 
Students from the Ancillary Medical Training School and Boys Higher Secondary School, Leh, participated in the event, highlighting the role of young people in spreading awareness and encouraging others to stay away from tobacco.
 
With the 60-day awareness drive planned as part of the campaign, the Health Department aims to take the message beyond the launch programme and encourage continued public participation in making Ladakh a healthier and tobacco-free region.