The five policemen who were felicitated are Anil Bhosale, Vijay Chavan, Somnath Darade, Pralhad Madane and Balu Thorat
With an aim to spread awarness about ill-effects of tobacco on May 31, singers and music composer Salim Merchant and Sulaiman Merchant presented a live music concert for the audience at Rangsharda, Bandra. The event organised by Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA) to celebrate 'World No Tobacco Day' also felicitated five policemen on May 30, Tuesday in order to encourage other policemen to quit consuming tobacco.
The five policemen who were felicitated are Anil Bhosale, Vijay Chavan, Somnath Darade, Pralhad Madane and Balu Thorat. Pralhad Madane had been consuming tobacco since he was in class 7, but quit smoking three years ago. Madane, said, "Once when I was on night duty, I admitted an unknown person whose face was badly affected due to tobacco consumption in KEM Hospital. I could not sleep that night. Later, when I discussed the incident with my family, my grandson said that even I chew tobacco. Since then, I have quit tobacco."
Talking about his exeperience of quitting tobacco, Somnath Darade said, "It is difficult but not impossible. I used to keep chocolates in my pocket. Whenever I felt like chewing tobacco, I ate chocolates to divert my mind. It is mainly due to the long working hours and stress because of which policemen start consuming tobacco."
Satish Mathur, Director General of Police (DGP), Maharashtra, said, "we started health check-up of policemen across the state. 10,000 policemen have already been screened. By the end of the year, policemen across the state will undergo check-up. We will also start medical treatment."
Rakesh Bhatia, General Manager of Bank of Baroda, said, "The trend of consuming tobacco among youths has been increasing in the country. People should have self-determination to stop consuming tobacco. These five policemen will be a good example to change the mindset and give confidence to others for quitting tobacco."
"Always prevention is better than cure. The PSA which we see are not appealing. I think we should make something which hits at the base of the heart and appeal the citizens to quit any form of tobacco consumtion," said Amol Gupte, director.
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