World No Tobacco Day or Anti-tobacco day an annual event organized by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to highlight the risk associated with the use of tobacco, to convince people about the dangers of passive smoking, their family and their community. It is also important to advocate policies that reduce the use of tobacco. This is also the day when smokers are encouraged to quit their journey or not smoke for at least 24 hours first. Tobacco smoking is a known risk factor for many respiratory infections and increases the severity of respiratory diseases. A review of studies by public health experts convened by WHO on 29 April 2020 found that smokers are more likely to develop a severe disease like COVID-19, compared to non-smokers.
This year, the theme is ‘Quit tobacco to be a winner’. Around the world, there are several campaigns on social media, where people post ideas and tips to help others quit smoking using #CommitToQuit. This hashtag is sure to inspire the masses and to refrain from tobacco intake. Indian Singer, Song Writer and Artist Soumita Saha joined the bandwagon of #CommitToQuit in her unique way. The singer who is rarely seen making Instagram Reels made a Reel for her followers on all social networking sites to raise awareness about the #CommitToQuit movement and encouraged her fans to join the journey. Soumita was previously occupied being the cause ambassador of the ‘Find a Bed’ movement, which is an initiative taken by I.I.M.U.N.
Soumita rose to fame after her EDM debut single Ishq. She also deserves a special place for her contribution to the field of Rabindra Sangeet, the Kolkata girl is regarded as one of the youngest exponents of Rabindra Sangeet. Soumita is not only a good singer and composer her excellence in the field of art crossed the barrier of nations. Her artwork was displayed at Portland’s Artreach Gallery last November.
Soumita contributed to the #CommitToQuit movement in a unique way. She made a mixed media charcoal painting and a pen and ink illustration to convey her messages of ‘Quit Tobacco to be a Winner’. In a candid tête-à-tête, the young Tagore song exponent said, “Tobacco smoking is a risk factor not only for the smoker but people around as well. So many people suffer respiratory problems due to passive smoking. WHO on 29 April 2020 found that smokers are more likely to develop severe disease with COVID-19, compared to non-smokers. My point is even if nothing else bothers people, at least for the sake of this pandemic everyone should give the ‘Quit Tobacco to be a Winner’ movement a thought. After all, health is wealth.” The singer from the city of joy advocates maintaining COVID protocol and is busy pursuing new compositions and renditions of Tagore music.