World No Tobacco Day 2025: “Unmasking the Appeal”

The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated the 2025 WNTD theme as “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products.” This campaign highlights how the tobacco and nicotine industries employ manipulative strategies, such as appealing flavors, attractive product designs, and glamorized marketing, to entice young people and mask the dangers of their highly addictive products.

Global Recognition: Karnataka's WHO World No Tobacco Day Award

The State Tobacco Control Cell of Karnataka, under the Department of Health and Family Welfare, has been honoured with the 2025 World No Tobacco Day Award by the World Health Organization (WHO). This prestigious recognition is awarded to institutions and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to advancing the goals of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).

This award sets a benchmark for other Indian states and showcases how strong governance, community involvement, and public education can result in measurable progress in tobacco control.

Bengaluru Police's Enforcement Drive

In Bengaluru, the city police have launched a special enforcement drive from May 27 to May 31, targeting public tobacco use and sales to minors. The campaign focuses on curbing the sale of tobacco near educational institutions, penalizing public smoking, and prosecuting vendors supplying minors with tobacco products. Authorities are also inspecting malls and cafés to prevent hookah use and the sale of e-cigarettes.

Saran Schools' Awareness Campaign

In Saran, Bihar, schools have joined a tobacco awareness campaign launched by the health department. The initiative educates students and teachers about the harmful effects of tobacco, with expert speakers conducting sessions on the severe diseases and psychological issues linked to tobacco usage, as well as methods to resist or quit the habit. The campaign will culminate on May 31, coinciding with World No Tobacco Day.

National Medical Commission (NMC) Directive

The National Medical Commission (NMC) directed medical colleges and institutions across India to actively participate in raising awareness about the dangers of tobacco use. Suggested activities included organizing lectures, panel discussions, health screenings, and community awareness programs, as well as promoting tobacco-free campus policies.

Trinity Care Foundation (TCF) Initiatives

Trinity Care Foundation (TCF) is actively participating in WNTD 2025 by advocating for stricter government regulations, including laws banning smoking in public places, limiting advertising, and mandating warning labels. TCF urges policymakers to adopt plain packaging and ban surrogate advertisements to curb tobacco use.

What is the most effective way to reduce tobacco consumption in India? Join the Movement – Vote now!

Be a Part of the Movement!

World No Tobacco Day 2025 is not just a commemoration—it's a call to action for individuals, communities, and institutions to help unmask the harmful influence of the tobacco industry.

You can take action by:

✅ Joining local events such as awareness walks, art contests, or health camps organized by NGOs and government departments.

✅ Sharing educational content on social media using hashtags like #WNTD2025, #UnmaskTheAppeal, and #TobaccoFreeIndia.

✅ Volunteering with TCF or your local public health organization to conduct sessions in schools or workplaces.

✅ Advocating for policy change—speak to your local representatives about stronger tobacco control laws.

✅ Pledging to be tobacco-free and encouraging at least one friend or family member to quit tobacco this month.

Together, we can protect future generations from the manipulative grip of the tobacco industry. Every small step counts—take yours this May 31!

View our previous edition - Education & Digital Literacy: Aligned with SDG 4 – Quality Education

Follow us at CSR Projects | India and invite your teams and peers to subscribe to our newsletter!

Connect with us : valuecreation@csrprojectsindia.com