BJP's Shehzad Poonawalla Launches Campaign Against Vaping Menace

In a bid to combat the growing threat of new-age nicotine products like vapes, e-cigarettes, heat-not-burn (HNB) devices, and nicotine pouches among India’s youth, BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla called for a coordinated effort to tackle the menace. Speaking at the launch of the ‘Please STOP This’ campaign, Poonawalla emphasized a comprehensive approach involving society, government, social media, and sports to safeguard children and adolescents.

Joining Poonawalla at the event was Padma Shri awardee Dr. Deepa Malik, a strong advocate of the cause. The campaign, spearheaded by Mothers Against Vaping (MAV), aims to raise awareness and expose the strategies used by multinational tobacco companies to bypass India’s ban on such products and target younger demographics.

“The fight against vaping must involve all sections of society,” said Poonawalla. “I suggest a 4S strategy to keep our children safe: Samaj (society) must step up to combat this menace; Sarkar (government) must enforce stricter laws; Social Media must be used to counter harmful narratives and promote healthier alternatives; and Sports is a vital tool to keep kids engaged and away from addiction,” he added.

The ‘Please STOP This’ initiative is supported by a revealing study from MAV that exposes the hidden tactics used by tobacco companies to manipulate the market. These strategies include targeting children and youth with deceptive marketing, manipulating scientific research, and bypassing legal supply chains. MAV's study identifies 10 key tactics, such as promoting misleading health claims and using social media influencers to attract younger audiences.

Addressing the event, Mrs. Mallika Nadda, Chairperson of the Special Olympics Asia Pacific Advisory Council, expressed her full support for the campaign, emphasizing the urgency of protecting future generations from the harmful effects of e-cigarettes. “I am confident that this initiative will help debunk the myths spread by manufacturers of these devices,” she said in a video message.

Dr. Deepa Malik also highlighted the alarming findings of MAV’s research, pointing out the extensive marketing efforts by tobacco companies aimed at bypassing Indian regulations. “These products are targeting vulnerable populations, especially children. We must work together to ensure our youth are not led into addiction,” she urged.

The campaign’s launch also featured a panel discussion with education and parenting experts, who stressed the importance of awareness and vigilance in preventing the spread of new-age nicotine products. Participants included educators like Ms. Madhur Gupta, Principal of Genesis Global School, and renowned psychologist Dr. Bhawna Barmi, among others.

MAV’s study, which outlines the aggressive strategies used by tobacco companies to circumvent India’s regulations, is a call to action for policymakers, parents, and educators to remain vigilant. The research also warns about the dangerous impact of fruit-flavored e-cigarettes and cartoonish designs that appeal to children, and the role of social media in spreading misinformation.

As part of its advocacy, MAV urges all stakeholders to join forces in countering the misinformation spread by these companies, and to protect Indian children from the harmful influence of new-age nicotine devices. The ‘Please STOP This’ campaign aims to ensure a future free from nicotine addiction, starting with a united front against these dangerous products.