ToFEI (Tobacco Free Educational Institutions), NBBGC in collaboration with the State Tobacco Control Cell, under the Health & Family Welfare Department, Government of Sikkim, observed World No Tobacco Day on 4th June, 2025 in the college Seminar Hall. The event was held in alignment with the World Health Organization’s theme, “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products”. The objective of the programme was to reveal the manipulative strategies used by the tobacco and nicotine industries to make their products appealing, particularly to young people, through deceptive marketing and product design. The programme witnessed an overwhelming participation, with approximately 250 students from various departments in the college.
The event was graced by Smt. Tshering Palden, Deputy Mayor of Gangtok Municipal Corporation, as the Chief Guest. She was joined by Dr. Debabrata Purohit, Principal of NBBGC, who co-chaired the programme. Other notable attendees included Dr. Tempo Gyaltsen Bhutia, Director of Health Services cum State Nodal Officer (National Tobacco Control Program), Shri Rinzing Bhutia, Deputy Director (State Tobacco Control Cell), Shri Kishore Thapa, Deputy Director (State Information Education Communication Bureau), Smt. Sonam Dolma Bhutia, Senior Technical Officer, Health Dept. Govt. of Sikkim, Shri Naresh Chettri, Station House Officer, Sadar Police Station, Gangtok, Shri Prakash Rai Officer-in-Charge Tadong Police out post, faculty members of NBBGC, and other stakeholders.
Expert led presentations on the manipulative strategies used by the tobacco and nicotine industries to make their products appealing and the health hazards caused by tobacco consumption were delivered by Dr. Tempo Gyaltsen Bhutia and Shri Rinzing Bhutia. Further, Dr. Makutaa Rai delivered a PPT on the ToFEI implementation strategies taken up by the Student Tobacco Monitors of NBBGC and also gave a motivational talk on the consumption and addiction of tobacco as a stepping stone towards substance abuse reinforcing the importance of making informed lifestyle choices. In continuation, Shri Naresh Chettri generated awareness with regard to various Acts related to the sale and consumption of tobacco products and the legal repercussions in case of violation. These presentations provided an insight into the health risks associated with tobacco use, its economic burden on society, and the strategies currently in place for effective tobacco control.
After which a Quiz Competition was held engaging students actively with ToFEI related questions and the winners were awarded cash prizes to acknowledge their participation and to motivate them. Honourable Deputy Mayor, Smt. Tshering Palden commended the State Tobacco Control Cell Health & Family Welfare Department for their consistent effort in promoting a smoke-free Sikkim and protecting public health. She emphasized the need for continuous awareness programs in educational institutions and advocated for stronger collaboration among local authorities and stakeholders to reinforce anti-tobacco initiatives. Furthermore, she urged students to steer clear of tobacco and other addictive substances, recognizing the role of tobacco as a potential gateway to substance abuse. Towards the end of the programme the participants took a “No Tobacco” Pledge led by the Principal NBBGC reaffirming the collective commitment of students toward a tobacco-free life. The event concluded on a highly positive note, with enthusiastic participation and a renewed collective resolve to lead healthier, tobacco-free lives.
