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May 31, 2025

World No Tobacco Day 2025: Empowering Lives Through Anti-Addiction Initiatives

Every year on May 31, the world unites to observe World No Tobacco Day (WNTD), a global initiative led by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness about the devastating effects of tobacco use and advocate for stronger policies to curb its consumption. Tobacco use remains a leading cause of preventable death globally, claiming over 8 million lives annually, including 1.2 million from second-hand smoke exposure. Apart from this an estimated 37 million children aged 13–15 use tobacco worldwide, and in some regions, e-cigarette use among adolescents surpasses that of adults, calling for the urgent need to confront the industry’s deceptive practices and protect future generations from addiction.

Theme 2025: “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products”

This year’s theme — “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products” — shines a spotlight on the manipulative strategies used by the tobacco and nicotine industries to normalize and glamorize tobacco use, particularly among youth and new users.

The aim of this year’s campaign is to reveal the truth behind these appealing facades and empower people to resist and reject these tactics. It is a call to governments, educators, health professionals, and civil society to stand up against corporate interests that profit at the cost of public health.

The Harsh Truth: Harms of Tobacco Consumption

Tobacco and nicotine products are made to be highly addictive, trapping users in a cycle of dependency with severe health consequences. Smoking is a major cause of lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and diabetes, significantly reducing life expectancy. The WHO reports that tobacco use contributes to 13% of global deaths, with long-term exposure leading to exhausting illnesses that strain healthcare systems and families. Beyond physical health, tobacco addiction imposes financial burdens, as users spend substantial amounts on products that harm them. The industry’s tactics—such as adding flavors, coolants, and additives to mask the harshness of tobacco—make these products more appealing, especially to youth, increasing the likelihood of early use and lifelong addiction. Newer forms like vapes and e-cigarettes, falsely marketed as safer alternatives, are now creating a new wave of nicotine dependence. Second-hand smoke also poses danger to non-smokers, particularly children, who face increased risks of respiratory issues and developmental challenges.

A Ray of Hope: Dera Sacha Sauda’s Anti-Addiction Mission

Amidst this grim landscape, the spiritual and social organization, has been a pioneer in promoting healthy, addiction-free living through its impactful initiatives. Under the guidance of Saint Dr. Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan, the organization has launched several campaigns to combat drug and tobacco addiction.

Healthy Life Campaign

The Healthy Life campaign by Dera Sacha Sauda encourages individuals to adopt holistic, substance-free lifestyles. Through various awareness drives, the volunteers educate people about the dangers of tobacco and nicotine use. Volunteers also engage with schools, colleges, and local communities to highlight the health risks of smoking and vaping, emphasizing the importance of physical and mental well-being. The campaign promotes alternative stress-relief methods, such as meditation, exercise, and healthy eating, to help individuals resist the temptation of addictive substances.

Depth Campaign: An Initiative to Save the society from Lifelong Disability

The Depth Campaign (Drug Eradication Pan India through Health and Meditation) is a revolutionary anti-drug initiative spearheaded by Saint Dr. Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan to save India’s youth from the clutches of drug and tobacco addiction. Addiction is hollowing out society, crippling the mental and physical potential of the youth, who are the future of the nation. The WHO estimates that drug and tobacco use contribute significantly to the global burden of disease, with India alone reporting millions of young people trapped in addiction.

The Depth Campaign provides the transformative power of meditation and spiritual guidance to help individuals break free from addiction. Unlike conventional rehabilitation methods that rely on medications or injections, which can have negative side effects, Dera Sacha Sauda’s approach connects addicts to “God’s name” through meditation, fostering willpower to overcome dependency. Remarkably, millions of participants report quitting drugs and tobacco within just seven days through regular meditation and welfare activities. The campaign also includes the powerful anti-drug anthem “Jaago Duniya De Loko,” composed by Saint Dr. MSG, which uses soulful music and lyrics to awaken youth to the dangers of addiction and inspire them to reclaim their lives. Additionally, Guru Ji urges community leaders and citizens to monitor and restrict drug and tobacco suppliers, advocating for collective action to make India addiction-free.

SAFE Campaign: Supporting Recovery Through Nutrition

The SAFE Campaign (Simple Healthy Diet After Quitting Drugs for Faster Recovery, Based on Electrolytes and Proteins) is a unique initiative by Dera Sacha Sauda to support individuals who have quit drugs or tobacco in rebuilding their health. Recognizing that addiction depletes the body of essential nutrients, the campaign provides a diet rich in proteins, vitamins, electrolytes, and natural supplements like isabgol (psyllium husk) to aid recovery for those who can’t afford it. This holistic approach ensures that former addicts regain physical strength and mental clarity, enabling them to lead healthy, productive lives. The SAFE Campaign provides the required physical strength through nutritional diet, which complements the spiritual and psychological support provided through initiatives such as DEPTH, creating a comprehensive recovery system.

Sahara-E-Insan Campaign: Extending Compassion to Affected Families

The Sahara-E-Insan Campaign embodies Dera Sacha Sauda’s commitment to supporting families devastated by addiction. This initiative extends a helping hand to those who have lost loved ones to drug or tobacco-related illnesses, offering emotional and practical support. Volunteers visit affected households, providing comfort, resources and financial aid to families suffering with the aftermath of addiction, ensuring that no family faces the tragic consequences of addiction alone.

Joining the Global Movement

World No Tobacco Day 2025 is a call to action for individuals, communities, and governments to stand against the tobacco industry’s deceptive practices. By supporting policies like flavor bans, plain packaging, and comprehensive advertising restrictions, we can reduce the appeal of tobacco and nicotine products, especially among youth. Organizations like Dera Sacha Sauda demonstrate the power of community-driven efforts in promoting healthier lifestyles and supporting those battling addiction. Everyone can contribute—whether by quitting tobacco, supporting a loved one, or advocating for stronger regulations. Together, we can build a tobacco-free future.