GUWAHATI: The Pledge for Life Campaign, which aims at saving children from the harmful effects of tobacco, has been initiated in Assam with campus activities in Gauhati, Dibrugarh and Assam universities.The campaign, supported by the Centre's National Service Scheme (NSS), aims at preventing children from tobacco intake at an early age. As per Global Adult Tobacco Survey, 2017, Assam has 1.05 crore tobacco users, which is 48.2% of the state's adult population above the age of 15. The same report states that more than 34,000 deaths per annum are occurring in Assam only due to tobacco consumption. The biggest concern is that 140 children have started consuming tobacco in some form every day."Students were shocked to learn that tobacco harms every organ of the body and leaves families devastated. Students came forward during the discussion and gave ideas to prevent themselves and the next generation from this menace," said Pradeep Mathur, a trustee of Sambandh Health Foundation. Applauding the efforts of NSS, Mathur said with two lakh volunteers in NSS, great social reform can be brought to save the future generation in Assam from tobacco use. The Pledge For Life project was launched in Guwahati recently and several activities like sensitization, debates, poster competitions and rallies will be conducted to create awareness. Additionally, one day will be devoted exclusively to tobacco control. Two nodal students, who will be responsible for monitoring the activities, will be appointed in each NSS unit."

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