The Substance Abuse Committee, Baptist College, Kohima, organised an Awareness Programme on “Harmful Effects of Tobacco & COTPA, 2003” on 13 August, 2026 at 11:00 AM in Room No. 7, Baptist College, Sechü Campus.
The programme was chaired by Ms. Tabitha K. Assumi, Assistant Professor, Department of History, Baptist College, Kohima, and began with a presentation by the BA 3rd Semester students. The Welcome Address was delivered by Dr. Kewepfuzu Lohe, Vice Principal, Baptist College, Sechü Campus, who welcomed the team from Naga Hospital Authority, Kohima (NHAK).
The first speaker, Dr. Neingutunuo Angami, shared the case of a patient diagnosed with oral cancer, highlighting the serious consequences associated with tobacco use. This was followed by a session by Ms. Temsuchila Walling, who spoke on the harmful effects of tobacco. She explained the different forms of tobacco use, tobacco addiction, harmful substances present in tobacco products, the health risks associated with tobacco consumption, oral cancer, and the dangers of second-hand or passive smoking. Photographs of tobacco victims from Nagaland were also shown to highlight the real-life consequences of tobacco use.
The second resource person, Ms. Pelebeinuo Khezhie, spoke on “Tobacco Control Law in India: COTPA, 2003.” She explained important provisions of the Act, particularly Sections 4, 5, 6(a), 6(b) and 7, dealing with smoking in public places, prohibition of tobacco advertising, restrictions on the sale of tobacco products to persons below eighteen years and near educational institutions, and health warnings on tobacco products. The awareness sessions were followed by an interactive quiz, in which students actively
participated and were presented with small gifts. The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks,
expressing gratitude to the resource persons and the students for their valuable contribution and
active participation.
The programme provided the students with valuable awareness about the health hazards of tobacco, tobacco addiction and the legal provisions under COTPA, 2003, and served as a meaningful initiative of the Substance Abuse Committee towards promoting a healthier and tobacco-free environment among the students.
