20th November, 2025
A National Webinar on “Youth Against Tobacco: Building a National Movement for Change in India” was organised on 20 November 2025, with participation from 315 stakeholders representing government sectors, public health institutions, youth networks, academia, NGOs, and CSR organisations. The webinar was inaugurated by Prof. (Dr.) Sonu Goel, Director, RCTC, PGIMER Chandigarh, who emphasised the critical role of youth-led action in accelerating tobacco control. Special addresses were delivered by Ms. Tshering D Bhutia (Salaam Bombay Foundation), Dr. Rakesh Gupta (Rajasthan Cancer Foundation), and Mr. Ashish Pandey (Vital Strategies), highlighting policy priorities, digital threats, and successful youth-driven campaigns. The keynote address by Ms. Tshering D Bhutia showcased scalable youth initiatives and community impact. A high-level panel discussion, moderated by Mr. Rajeev Kumar, featured experts including Dr. Shivam Kapoor, Dr. Hansa Kundu, Mr. Lalit Dogra, Dr. Aarushi Sabarwal, Mr. Dikshant Sharma, and Ms. Deeksha, focusing on enforcement, digital advocacy, and policy reforms. The webinar concluded with a collective commitment to develop India’s first Youth TobaccoFree Roadmap.
