After prominent women personalities like Paralympic medallist Deepa Malik and Bollywood actor Neha Dhupia, it is now former footballer Bhaichung Bhutia who has joined the ranks in the fight against vaping and the promotion of new-age tobacco products among Indian children and youngsters. Bhutia’s endorsement adds substantial weight to the cause of Mothers Against Vaping, said the group, a united front of concerned mothers that aims to combat the promotion of e-cigarettes, vapes, electronic nicotine delivery systems and heat-not-burn products among Indian youngsters.
The group said, “His (Bhutia) involvement is anticipated to amplify the impact of the cause, shedding more light on the escalating problem of new-age tobacco device usage among the country’s youth.”
This collaboration aims to raise awareness, garner support and foster a collective effort to protect the wellbeing of the younger generation from the hazards of these devices, they said.
Bhutia said, “I have been working with children to nurture future football talents and it is a great feeling to see their spirit on the field. So, for me, it is very disheartening that children and youngsters are falling prey to these harmful habits.”
“At an age where our children should be immersed in an environment that nurtures their dreams and aspirations, it is sad to witness the havoc that these new-age tobacco devices are wrecking on their health and ultimately their lives,” the former Indian football team captain said.
He also praised the efforts of Mothers Against Vaping in raising awareness, calling it “truly commendable”.
According to Mothers Against Vaping, rising addiction among children to new-age tobacco devices is fuelled by the aggressive efforts of big tobacco companies to establish a new market and cultivate future consumers. “Despite a nationwide ban, international manufacturers are leaving no stone unturned to promote these new-age tobacco devices with a specific focus on Indian children and youngsters as they desperately seek out new markets against the backdrop of tightening regulations,” said the Group.
“As a responsible mother, I wholeheartedly support the cause. The issue is deeply alarming and all mothers should be concerned as it directly impacts the health of our children,” Dhupia said.
The use of vaping and e-cigarette devices has been linked to various harmful effects, ranging from extensive lung damage to environmental harm through improper disposal, the group said.
