World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) 2025 was observed at the Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute-Tata Memorial Centre (BBCI-TMC) on May 31, 2025, in the institute’s auditorium.
The chief guest of the event was Dr. H.K. Bhattacharyya, State Nodal Officer, Tobacco Control Program of Assam. Other guests included Diganta Bharati, lyricist and singer of Assamese music, and Hiranya Deka, a popular actor in the Assamese cine industry. The program was also attended by staff of BBCI-TMC and members of the public. Dr.Apurba Kumar Kalita, Professor of Radiation Oncology at BBCI-TMC, welcomed all the dignitaries present, members of the public, and staff of BBCI-TMC to the event.
According to Dr.Srabana Misra Bhagabaty, Professor, Department of Preventive Oncology at BBCI-TMC, tobacco consumption is one of the major causes of death worldwide. Although it can be easily prevented, its use is widespread. Assam and the North East show the highest tobacco use in India. In Assam, around 50% of cancers in men and 25% of cancers in women are related to the consumption of tobacco. Tobacco control is a battle, and we have many unsung heroes, NGOs, etc., working in the field of tobacco control to curb its menace, further informed Dr.Bhagabaty.
In the same event, the BBCI-TMC Preventive Oncology Awards for 2024-25 were presented to the best performing counselor of National Tobacco Quitline Services (Toll free number 1800112356) and accredited social health activists (ASHAs) under the National Health Mission, who helped in the mission of tobacco and cancer control in the state of Assam.
