On World No Tobacco Day, PM Narendra Modi urges smokers to kick the butt

Mumbai: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday urged citizens to refrain from smoking, while citing its ill effects.

The newly appointed leader took to twitter to spread the message and urged all to contribute in building a healthier country.

“Tobacco not only affects those consuming it but also people around. By saying no to tobacco, let us lay the foundation of a healthier India,” he tweeted.

He also urged everyone to pledge to spread awareness on the risks of tobacco consumption and work to reduce tobacco consumption in India.

World tobacco day is observed to encourage users to not consume tobacco and its related products for at least 24 hours.

This day was first observed in 1987, after a cabinet of World Health Assembly passed a motion supported by the WHO with guidelines to manage and curb tobacco consumption. No Tobacco Day also aims to keep a watch on companies that sell cigarettes and other tobacco products through striking advertisements, which influence people to consume their product.

No tobacco day mostly emphasizes on drawing public and government attention on the need to take effective measures to prevent tobacco consumption.