Cyclothon and exhibitions for a healthy “Tobacco Free India”

Every year, May 26th to June 1st is observed as Tobacco free week across India as a mark of WORLD NO TOBACCO DAY, which falls on the 31st May. The Art of Living Vyakti Vikas Kendra Living Well Program Division, in partnership with BBMP and Anti-Tobacco Cell Karnataka are organizing events to create “Tobacco Free India”, by highlighting the health risks associated with tobacco use and creating awareness to avoid tobacco consumption.

“Tobacco consumption is currently responsible for killing one in 10 adults worldwide and hence is the single most preventable cause of death. These events are aimed at educating the Tobacco users, especially the youth and young adults (teenagers) on the negative impact of Tobacco consumption on their physical, social, environmental and economic health” said Sri Rajagopal National Coordinator, De-addiction programs, The Art of Living.

The organizers are planning 5 Exhibitions at different malls across Bengaluru these Exhibitions will showcase the ill-effects of Tobacco abuse.

“We plan to have exhibition in various highly populated shopping malls in Bengaluru to educate the public on the ill-effects of tobacco use. Along with the display of exhibits, we also plan to use audio-visual media to play short films intermittently. We have also requested eminent doctors and celebrities to address the gathering on the tobacco abuse,” said Dr. A.S. Prashantha Kumari Joint Director (Medical) & Member Secretary State Anti Tobacco Cell Karnataka.

These exhibitions are being held at The Market square Mall Sarjapur Road, The Market square Mall Bommanahalli, The Royal Meenakshi Mall BG Road, Inorbit Mall Whitefeild as part of their CSR to create awareness amongst their valued customers.

“As part of the event to mark the WORLD NO TOBACCO DAY, we are conducting a ‘Cyclothon ’, a rally on cycles. 1000 cycling enthusiasts are expected to participate to promote exercise and a healthy lifestyle," said the Managing Director Global Hospitals Mr. Ravindranath, supporting the Cyclothon.

“Cycling is known to be one of the best forms of exercise that not only tones up the body muscles and burns the unwanted fat deposits, but also helps in improving the lung capacity and physical stamina,” said the Worshipful Mayor of Bengaluru Sri B.S. Sathyanarana. The first citizen of Bengaluru, Mayor Sri B.S. Satyanarayana is flagging off the Cyclothon by 8 A.M at the Cubbon Park next to the KSLTA Stadium on Sunday the 1st June 2014.

Special program to help smokers ‘Quit smoking’, The Art of Living has specially designed a program, “STOP SMOKING START LIVING” to help smokers and other users of smokeless tobacco to kick the habit.

“The program educates the participants on harmful hazards of tobacco consumption; empowers them with simple and profound breathing techniques that help them to manage withdrawal syndrome, and to overcome the urge to smoke. The program helps eliminate the toxins from the body and rejuvenates and energizes every cell in the body, enabling one to bounce back with good health. The program also includes ‘Yogasanas’, ‘Sudarshan Kriya’ relapse prevention strategy, and much more", explained Sri. Prashanth. V. Kumar, Director and Faculty, Living Well Program, The Art of Living.

The exhibition at Market Square Sarjapura is expected to be attended by Sri U.T. Khadeer Minister for Health, Govt. of Karnataka Dr.Vishal Rao Onco-Surgeon, BGS Global Hospital, South Asia; Representative for WHO; Ms.Shruthi Hariharan Cine Artist; and Ms. Preethi, Cine Artist.

Cubbon Park next to K.S.L.T.A.Stadium, Sri B.S Sathyanarayana Worshipful Mayor, BBMP, Bengaluru; Smt. Thar Anooradha Member of Legislative Council and Cine Artist; Dr. Satish Chandra Director/Vice-Chancellor NIMHANS Bengaluru; Cmdr. Sri. Sarvottam Rao Chairman Vykti Vikas Kendra Bengaluru; Ms.Shruthi Hariharan Cine Artist; Ms. Preethi Cine Artist; Ms. Neetu Shetty Cine Artist.