JOSEPH VARGHESE

DOHA ANTI-SMOKING Society Qatar has decided to make concerted efforts to check the spread of tobacco epidemic which, it feels, can bring about positive changes in society. This decision was taken during the Society’ s meeting to observe ‘World No Tobacco Day’ (WNTD) that was observed with a table talk and group discussion over the weekend. The event was attended by students, parents, physicians, social workers, businessmen, socio-cultural activists and members of various communities in Qatar.

Inaugurating the Society activities for WNTD, Chief Executive Officer of City Exchange Sharaf P Hameed offered his support and cooperation for creating awareness about the harmful effects of smoking and its cost to individuals and society. He said, “It is our corporate responsibility and we are privileged to join in this campaign.

Ensuring the protection of the public, including women and children, from exposure to tobacco smoke, passive smokers should be the concern of all. Everyone has to play their role in achieving this noble goal.” He complemented the Society for its continuing awareness drive focusing on both first-hand and secondhand smoking as both are equally dangerous. “Some people say it is not our concern as we don’t smoke. It is not true as passive smoking is as injurious as smoking firsthand,” he added.

Dr Abdul Rasheed, president of the Society, delivered the keynote address. He highlighted the ill effects of tobacco consumption and urged the public to uphold the anti-tobacco message by all possible ways and means.

Citing case studies and surveys, he drew a picture of the current scenario and underlined the importance of awareness drive. K Mohammed Easa, a social worker, stressed the seriousness of the situation and called tobacco a social evil. “If we work together to make our society free of the evil of smoking, it will definitely produce wonderful results.

To divert the attention and to make people healthy and comfortable, the community should promote alternative entertainment programmes including cultural fests and sports activities,” he said.

Abdul Hakeem, a young marketing professional, referred to the smart tactics employed by the tobacco companies to lure youngsters.

He suggested ways and means to counter these campaigns. Trans Orient Travels Manager KP Nurudheen opined that the society should view smoking as a serious evil like alcoholism and drug addiction. If we take the issue lightly, the evil will spread and all of us will suffer. All substances which harm humans directly or indirectly are evil and it is our duty to wipe out evil from society,” observed Zainul Abideen Darimi, a young religious scholar. Abhik Roy of KIMS Qatar Medical Centre and Neil Noronha of World Health Spring Clinic also spoke on the occasion.

The CEO of Media Plus Amanulla Vadakkangara welcomed the gathering and Abdul Fathah Nilambur proposed a vote of thanks.