“Tobacco fuels the TB epidemic; addressing tobacco use is essential for achieving tuberculosis elimination” – Dr G. Srigana, WHO Consultant
HYDERABAD, MARCH 11, 2026: The Press Information Bureau (PIB), Hyderabad, organised a ‘VARTA’ Media Interaction Session on the occasion of ‘No Smoking Day’, with the theme “A Smoke-Free Life Starts with a Smoke-Free Day”, at CGO Towers, Kavidiguda, Hyderabad, on Wednesday. The programme aimed at raising awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use and encouraging people to quit smoking.
In her inaugural address, Shruti Patil, Additional Director General, PIB Hyderabad, highlighted the importance of awareness and collective efforts in promoting a smoke-free lifestyle. She also encouraged the media to play a key role in spreading the message of a tobacco-free society.
Underlining the importance of ‘No Smoking Day’, Manas Krishnakanth, Deputy Director, PIB Hyderabad, said that the nation observes No Smoking Day on the second Wednesday of March every year to remind smokers to quit smoking. He noted that the observance is not limited to cigarette smoking but includes all forms of tobacco use. In this regard, PIB Hyderabad organised ‘VARTA’, an interactive session with journalists on No Smoking Day to create awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco consumption. He further urged the media to take the campaign to the masses and help make India a smoke-free country.
Addressing the journalists, Dr G. Srigana, WHO Consultant, who attended the event as the guest speaker, said that smoking directly increases the risk of tuberculosis (TB). He noted that India accounts for nearly 25 percent of global TB cases, and therefore quitting smoking is essential in reducing the burden of the disease. He added that interactive sessions like ‘VARTA’ help create awareness and strengthen campaigns at the grassroots level.
He further emphasised that “Tobacco fuels the TB epidemic, and addressing tobacco use is essential for achieving tuberculosis elimination.”
Highlighting the role of the media in taking campaigns such as ‘No Smoking Day’ to the grassroots level, Jithender, IEC Officer, said that passive smoking is equally dangerous as active smoking. He stressed that the media plays a crucial role in spreading awareness about the harmful effects of smoking and its prevention.
Raghunandan Maachana, Tobacco Control Hero Awardee, along with senior journalists, and officials and staff from PIB, CBC and other organisations, participated in the event.
He further emphasised that “Tobacco fuels the TB epidemic, and addressing tobacco use is essential for achieving tuberculosis elimination.”
Highlighting the role of the media in taking campaigns such as ‘No Smoking Day’ to the grassroots level, Jithender, IEC Officer, said that passive smoking is equally dangerous as active smoking. He stressed that the media plays a crucial role in spreading awareness about the harmful effects of smoking and its prevention.
Raghunandan Maachana, Tobacco Control Hero Awardee, along with senior journalists, and officials and staff from PIB, CBC and other organisations, participated in the event.
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