All of us in our present Naga society know about the problem related to consumption of tobacco in its various forms and manifestations. The statistics for Nagaland is scary and shocking. According to a survey conducted by the government of India, 48% of the people in Nagaland are tobacco users. This statistic is indeed a matter of deep concern for all of us. It will not be surprising to learn that out of the 48% population mentioned, a good number will be from school and college going children. Not surprisingly tobacco use by parents and close friends was positively associated with students' current tobacco use. The study concludes that tobacco use including smoking was very high, even among girls, in all eight states in the North-eastern part of India. In general schools did not educate students about the hazards of tobacco use. In fact for many years now it has been observed that tobacco consumption among the Nagas has increased so much so that it has become a socially accepted habit. Who can blame our children for taking tobacco when parents themselves indulge in such habits? Let us face it; tobacco consumption has become a chronic habit and one which has become socially acceptable as a way of life. And this is the crux of the problem. Also because it is not categorized as an ‘illegal substance’ tobacco in its various forms and manifestation has become ubiquitous.
Attempts made to ban such items as gutkha has also failed. And even if we are to successfully enforce such a ban on a single item, what about cigarettes, beedis and kaini (chewing tobacco). The fight against tobacco consumption is not going to be easy. As mentioned almost half the population of the State is indulging in such habit. Tobacco in various forms is a favourite in government offices, within the police force, colleges and even schools. Also because of its easy availability and given that it is inexpensive (unlike drugs and foreign liquor) it is part of the common man’s diet whether it is in the villages or urban areas. The popular ‘Pan shop’ in every nook and corner of the State ensures easy access. There is no regulation of any sort and so even children can easily buy them. While we do not like to talk about such things as regulation or prohibition, yet something must be done to discourage our so called pan shop culture from becoming a menace to the well being and health of children—our future generation.
It might sound strange but right from the time our children start going to nursery school, they become exposed to such pan shops found in every corner of our neighborhood. Since tobacco and its related product generate bulk of the business, these pan shops advertise and sell these items without any moral qualm. By the time our children pass out of nursery school, most of them become aware of such items being sold and consumed by the vast majority of people—that is parents, older children, neigbours and all the adults, whom children look up to. So we have a new generation of young children who are initiated into this harmful habit of tobacco consumption. This ‘pan shop culture’ if not regulated will destroy the health of our society. Something must be done to curb the mushrooming of the popular pan shop especially in residential and school areas. Side by side, the most plausible option is to create mass awareness on the ill effects of tobacco consumption. The well being of our future generation is at stake.
Attempts made to ban such items as gutkha has also failed. And even if we are to successfully enforce such a ban on a single item, what about cigarettes, beedis and kaini (chewing tobacco). The fight against tobacco consumption is not going to be easy. As mentioned almost half the population of the State is indulging in such habit. Tobacco in various forms is a favourite in government offices, within the police force, colleges and even schools. Also because of its easy availability and given that it is inexpensive (unlike drugs and foreign liquor) it is part of the common man’s diet whether it is in the villages or urban areas. The popular ‘Pan shop’ in every nook and corner of the State ensures easy access. There is no regulation of any sort and so even children can easily buy them. While we do not like to talk about such things as regulation or prohibition, yet something must be done to discourage our so called pan shop culture from becoming a menace to the well being and health of children—our future generation.
It might sound strange but right from the time our children start going to nursery school, they become exposed to such pan shops found in every corner of our neighborhood. Since tobacco and its related product generate bulk of the business, these pan shops advertise and sell these items without any moral qualm. By the time our children pass out of nursery school, most of them become aware of such items being sold and consumed by the vast majority of people—that is parents, older children, neigbours and all the adults, whom children look up to. So we have a new generation of young children who are initiated into this harmful habit of tobacco consumption. This ‘pan shop culture’ if not regulated will destroy the health of our society. Something must be done to curb the mushrooming of the popular pan shop especially in residential and school areas. Side by side, the most plausible option is to create mass awareness on the ill effects of tobacco consumption. The well being of our future generation is at stake.
