Bhubaneswar: On the occasion of World No Tobacco Day, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched an ambitious statewide awareness campaign against tobacco and narcotic substance abuse at Lok Seva Bhawan Convention Hall, urging citizens—especially the youth—to “Say No to Tobacco, Say Yes to Life.”
With tobacco consumption claiming nearly 14 lakh lives annually in India—about 10% of the country’s total deaths—CM Majhi underscored the gravity of the issue, calling it a national health crisis. “Despite being aware of the health risks, people find it hard to quit. Awareness is our strongest weapon. Even if we save one life through this campaign, it’s a victory,” he said.
The campaign will unfold in four phases: May 31 to June 26, June 26 to August 15, October 2, and December 25 to January 15, 2026, covering nearly a year. It aims to raise awareness on the dangers of tobacco, toxic liquor, and narcotics across every household in Odisha.
Highlighting tobacco as the leading cause of oral and lung cancer, the Chief Minister warned against deceptive advertisements promoting harmful substances. “Death is inevitable, but it should not be painful,” he said, urging people to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
The campaign also targets curbing the spread of narcotics and illicit alcohol. Departments of Excise, Home, and the Narcotics Control Bureau will intensify coordinated operations. A Special Task Force (STF) has been empowered to stop the smuggling of narcotics and tobacco-based products. A new Excise Policy is also in the works to comprehensively regulate the use of intoxicants.
As part of the launch, CM Majhi unveiled the campaign logo, a TV spot, a theme song, and an informative booklet designed to spread awareness about the health and social consequences of addiction.
Law, Excise, and Public Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan noted that this is the first time Odisha has initiated such a widespread and coordinated anti-addiction drive. He called for collaboration among government departments and civil society, warning of stricter penalties under the Excise Act.
Ekamra-Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh envisioned an addiction-free and crime-free Odisha, emphasizing that reducing substance abuse is key to building a safer, more prosperous state.
Padma Shri awardee and international sand artist Sudarshan Pattnaik, who is also the brand ambassador for the campaign, encouraged everyone to spread the message to every home, asserting, “This is not just the government’s responsibility—it’s everyone’s.”
The event saw participation from Excise Department Commissioner and Secretary Guba Poonam Tapas Kumar, who delivered the welcome address, and Odisha Beverage Corporation Managing Director Ambar Kumar Kar, who extended the vote of thanks. District Collectors and Excise Superintendents from across Odisha also joined the program virtually, reinforcing the collective resolve to fight addiction statewide.