World No Tobacco Day 2026: Odisha’s Awareness Campaigns and Puri Sand Art
Bhubaneswar/Puri: Odisha joined the global observance of World No Tobacco Day on May 31, 2026, with a series of awareness campaigns highlighting the dangers of tobacco use and encouraging healthier lifestyles.
Health experts emphasised that tobacco consumption—both smoking and smokeless forms such as gutkha, zarda, bidis, and cigarettes—remains a leading cause of cancer in India, accounting for nearly 45% of cases.
Oral and lung cancers were identified as the most prevalent outcomes of tobacco addiction.
At Puri beach, renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik created a striking 25‑foot sand sculpture depicting a burning cigarette with the message “Say No to Tobacco.”
The artwork drew large crowds and sparked conversations about prevention and responsible living.
Visitors praised the initiative for creatively delivering a vital health message.
Meanwhile, Odisha’s health authorities and community groups continued outreach programs, reinforcing the state’s commitment to building a tobacco‑free society.
