On May 31, 2025, Soumen’s Workout, one of Kolkata’s top fitness and wellness organisations, hosted the 14th Annual World No Tobacco Day Rally as a potent call to action against the twin dangers of obesity and tobacco use. Condemn Tobacco and Obesity Like India Condemns Terrorism – Let’s Fight Today for a Better Tomorrow was the rally’s compelling theme, and its goal was to ignite a new public movement for a healthier, addiction-free India. As the event’s official food partner, Kreamz, a well-known food brand, provided wholesome refreshments to promote healthy living.

Schoolchildren, athletes, non-governmental organisations, and local leaders united against tobacco at the rally, which started at Rani Rashmoni Road and ended at the Victoria Memorial. Participants chanted slogans, carried banners, and showed that community spirit and awareness can lead to significant change.

The proprietor of Soumen’s Workout, Mr. Soumen Das, said, “Obesity and tobacco are silent enemies that slowly destroy lives.” The same fervour and urgency with which our country denounces terrorism must be applied to their condemnation. This is a call to action against deadly habits, not just a rally. Let’s fight now to give our kids a better life tomorrow”.

Data from the Global Youth Tobacco Survey 2019, which shows that 8.4% of Indian school-age children (ages 13 to 15) use tobacco, highlights the urgency of such initiatives. In addition, almost 3,600 Indians lose their lives to tobacco use each day. These concerning statistics highlight the necessity of broad public awareness and preventative measures.

Apart from this yearly event, Soumen’s Workout has been actively engaged in health advocacy through programs like Anti-Obesity Day, International Yoga Day, and “Jago India Jago,” which is India’s largest fitness campaign against obesity.

This year’s rally reaffirmed a strong message with each step, chant, and banner raised: a healthier India is achievable, and it begins with each of us.

Priyanka Dutta