Tobacco remains India’s deadliest public health threat today, causing millions of deaths annually. On World No Tobacco Day 2025, the (World Health Organisation) WHO’s theme, “Bright products. Dark intentions. Unmasking the Appeal,” exposes how tobacco companies deceptively market their products. These products lure users with appealing flavors and attractive packaging but hide deadly consequences beneath the surface. This theme urges India to recognize and fight the tobacco industry’s manipulative tactics, especially those targeting vulnerable youth and women. The day reminds us that tobacco is not just a personal choice but a public health emergency demanding urgent action.
World No Tobacco Day 2025 serves as a crucial reminder for India to intensify efforts to reduce tobacco use. Millions continue to suffer from tobacco-related diseases, straining the healthcare system and economy. This blog explores India’s tobacco history, current prevalence, health impacts, and government initiatives. It aims to inform readers and motivate collective action to defeat the tobacco epidemic. Understanding the challenges and successes is key to protecting India’s future generations from tobacco’s deadly grip.
World No Tobacco Day: India’s History and Significance
World No Tobacco Day was established by WHO in 1987 to raise global awareness about tobacco’s harmful effects. India, home to over 250 million tobacco users, faces a unique and complex tobacco crisis. Tobacco use in India has deep historical roots, intertwined with cultural and social traditions that span centuries. The modern epidemic accelerated with the introduction of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products like gutkha and khaini, which are widely consumed across the country.
India’s high burden of smokeless tobacco contributes heavily to oral cancer rates, making tobacco control a national priority. This day highlights India’s leadership role in tobacco control efforts within South-East Asia. Dr. Harsh Vardhan, former Union Health Minister, once said, “Tobacco is a silent killer that we must defeat through awareness and strict policies.” His words resonate strongly as India continues to battle tobacco’s devastating impact. World No Tobacco Day 2025 thus holds vital significance in mobilizing national and community action.
Bright Products. Dark Intentions. Unmasking the Appeal
The theme for World No Tobacco Day 2025 is “Bright products. Dark intentions. Unmasking the Appeal.” It focuses on exposing how tobacco companies use attractive packaging, sweet flavors, and clever marketing to lure new users. These tactics especially target youth and women, making harmful tobacco products appear appealing and harmless. The theme aims to reveal these deceptive strategies and educate the public about the real dangers behind the glossy exterior. By unmasking the tobacco industry’s manipulative methods, the campaign seeks to reduce tobacco initiation and encourage quitting.
This theme can be highly impactful in curbing tobacco use in India. India has a large population of young people vulnerable to such marketing tricks. Highlighting these tactics raises awareness among consumers, parents, educators, and policymakers. It also pressures governments to enforce stricter regulations, such as banning flavored tobacco products and mandating plain packaging. The theme supports ongoing efforts to protect youth from addiction and reduce tobacco-related diseases. Ultimately, it empowers individuals and communities to see through the tobacco industry’s “bright” facade and reject its “dark” intentions.
Tobacco Use Prevalence in India: Trends and Patterns
Tobacco use prevalence in India remains alarmingly high despite some recent declines. The National Family Health Survey 2019-21 reveals that 28.6% of adults currently use tobacco in some form. Men are disproportionately affected, with 42.4% reporting tobacco use, compared to 14.2% of women. Smokeless tobacco is especially common, with 21.4% of adults consuming products such as gutkha, khaini, and betel quid with tobacco.
Among youth aged 13-15, 8.5% currently use tobacco, a worrying figure that threatens future health outcomes. Boys (9.6%) slightly outnumber girls (7.4%) in tobacco consumption, indicating early gender disparities. Women’s tobacco use is rising steadily, driven by social changes and aggressive marketing by the tobacco industry. This trend threatens to reverse the progress made in tobacco control and demands targeted interventions to protect these vulnerable groups.
Tobacco Use Prevalence in India (2024 Estimates)
| Category | Percentage / Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total Tobacco Users (15+ years) | 253 million | 200.2 million males, 53.5 million females |
| Adult Tobacco Use Prevalence | 28.6% | Includes smoking and smokeless tobacco |
| Male Tobacco Use Prevalence | ~42.4% | Highest in males aged 50-64 (52.8%) |
| Female Tobacco Use Prevalence | ~14.2% | Highest in females aged 65+ (18.6%) |
| Smokeless Tobacco Use Prevalence | 21.4% | Data from 2016-17, still significant |
| Youth Tobacco Use (13-15 years) | 8.5% | Boys 9.6%, girls 7.4% |
| Smoking Prevalence (Adults 15+) | 7.1% (2022) | Declined from 8.1% in 2020 |
| Number of Smokers (2022) | ~72.7 million | Declined from ~80.5 million in 2020 |
| Smoking-related Deaths (2021) | 1,048,266 deaths | 8.92% of all deaths in India |
| Poly-tobacco Use Prevalence (15+ years) | 9.8% | Increased from 6.5% in 2009-10, highest in NE |
Source: Global Action to End Smoking, India | Tobacco and Health Around the World
State-wise Tobacco Use Prevalence in India (Approx. 2019-2024)
| State/UT | Male Tobacco Use (%) NFHS-5 (2019-21) | Male Tobacco Use (%) GATS (2016-17) | Female Tobacco Use (%) NFHS-5 (2019-21) | Female Tobacco Use (%) GATS (2016-17) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mizoram | 72.9 | 64.9 | 61.6 | 52.4 |
| Manipur | 58.1 | 62.5 | 43.1 | 47.8 |
| Meghalaya | 57.7 | 59.8 | 28.2 | 34.2 |
| Tripura | 56.9 | 67.5 | 50.4 | 61.4 |
| Assam | 51.8 | 62.9 | 22.1 | 32.9 |
| Bihar | 48.8 | 43.4 | 5.0 | 6.9 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 44.0* | ~42-44 (estimated) | 14.0* | ~14 (estimated) |
| Gujarat | 41.1 | 35.5 | 8.7 | 10.4 |
| Punjab | 13.0 | 15-16 (estimated) | 0.4 | ~1.0 (estimated) |
| Kerala | 16.9 | 23.0 | 2.2 | 3.6 |
| Goa | 18.2 | 15.3 | 2.6 | 4.0 |
| Tamil Nadu | 20.0* | 22-24 (estimated) | 6.0* | 7-8 (estimated) |
Source: International Journal of Health Sciences and Research
*Note: Some states like Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have estimates based on extrapolations and smaller datasets post NFHS-5
This state-wise infographic illustrates the stark regional differences in tobacco use across India. The Northeast exhibits alarmingly high tobacco prevalence among both men and women, while northern and southern states show relatively lower rates. These variations call for region-specific tobacco control strategies.
Health Hazards of Tobacco: Impact on India’s Healthcare
Tobacco causes a wide range of deadly diseases in India, affecting millions every year. It is the leading cause of oral, lung, throat, and esophageal cancers nationwide. India has some of the highest oral cancer rates globally, largely due to widespread smokeless tobacco use. Smoking also contributes significantly to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular diseases, and tuberculosis. Tobacco use often coexists with other forms of drug abuse, amplifying health and social risks in India.
Approximately 40% of India’s tuberculosis burden is linked directly to tobacco use. Secondhand smoke poses serious health risks to women and children, causing heart disease, respiratory infections, and pregnancy complications. In 2021, tobacco accounted for nearly 1 million deaths in India, representing almost 18% of total mortality. This enormous health burden strains India’s healthcare system and highlights the urgent need for stronger tobacco control.
World No Tobacco Day 2025: Youth and Women at Risk
World No Tobacco Day 2025 draws special attention to the rising tobacco use among youth and women in India. Nearly 1 in 12 adolescents aged 13-15 currently use tobacco, a figure that demands urgent intervention. Flavored tobacco products and attractive packaging are designed to lure young users, increasing early initiation. Early tobacco use often leads to lifelong addiction and severe health problems later in life.
Women’s tobacco use, particularly smokeless forms, is increasing steadily across many states. Social changes, peer influence, and aggressive marketing by the tobacco industry are major drivers of this trend. Dr. Randeep Guleria, Director of AIIMS, warns, “The youth are the future, and tobacco addiction today means a lifetime of health struggles tomorrow.” Schools, NGOs, and government programs must intensify their efforts to educate and protect these vulnerable groups.
Tobacco Control Measures in India: Achievements and Challenges
India’s tobacco control measures are among the most comprehensive globally, yet enforcement challenges persist. The National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) implements the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), which bans advertising, restricts sales to minors, and mandates graphic health warnings on packaging. The government banned e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products in 2019 to curb youth uptake.
Despite these strong policies, enforcement gaps and illicit tobacco trade continue to undermine progress. Expanding tobacco cessation services and integrating tobacco control into primary healthcare can improve quit rates. Bhavna Mukhopadhyay of VHAI emphasizes, “India’s success lies in sustained political will and community engagement.” Strengthening these areas is critical for achieving tobacco reduction targets.
Economic and Social Impact of Tobacco in India
Tobacco imposes a staggering economic burden on India’s healthcare system and society. In 2017-18, tobacco-related diseases cost India over INR 1,773 billion in healthcare expenses and lost productivity. Tobacco tax revenue only partially offsets these massive costs. Socially, tobacco use deepens health inequalities and diverts household income away from essentials, further straining families.
Reducing tobacco consumption can boost economic productivity and improve social well-being significantly. Stronger taxation, vendor licensing, and public awareness campaigns are proven strategies to reduce tobacco use. Community engagement and education remain vital to sustaining tobacco control gains across India.
Health Impacts of Tobacco in India
| Disease/Condition | Attributable Deaths (Thousands) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oral and Lung Cancers | 300+ | High due to smokeless tobacco |
| Tuberculosis | 400+ | 40% burden linked to tobacco |
| Cardiovascular Diseases | 200+ | Smoking damages heart and vessels |
| Chronic Respiratory Diseases | 150+ | COPD, emphysema, bronchitis |
Source: PMC Article, Prevalence, Patterns, and Predictors of Tobacco Consumption in India
This infographic summarizes the major health impacts caused by tobacco in India, highlighting the enormous mortality burden. It underscores the urgent need for comprehensive tobacco control to reduce these preventable deaths.
A Call to Action on World No Tobacco Day 2025
World No Tobacco Day 2025 is a critical wake-up call for India’s public health. Stronger law enforcement, increased taxation, and expanded cessation services are urgently needed. Protecting youth and women from tobacco industry tactics must be a priority. Integrating tobacco control into broader health and social policies is essential for long-term success.
The government must close regulatory gaps, enhance surveillance, and combat illicit tobacco trade aggressively. Communities across India must unite to reject tobacco’s deceptive appeal. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.” On World No Tobacco Day 2025, let’s commit to a tobacco-free India for healthier generations.
On World No Tobacco Day 2025, pledge to quit tobacco or support someone’s quit journey. Spread awareness and demand stronger policies from authorities. Your action truly matters.
#WorldNoTobaccoDay2025 #TobaccoFreeIndia #TobaccoControl #YouthAgainstTobacco #QuitTobacco
It is of course a welcome initiative by the govt. and several NGOs.
When everything said and done there is no strong political will on the part of the govt. as in the case of alcohol sale. They only look into the revenue generation and not a healthy population. Most of our elected representatives are either uneducated or have no long term vision to serve the community. They are definitely interested in filling their coffers before the 5 year term ends.
Another alarming factor is the mass exodus of young adolescents to cosmopolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and of course Bangalore. These imature kids enjoy their new found freedom by experimenting smoking, alcohol, drugs abd sex.
Another important factor is that today the number of women smokers is steadily increasing. In my own street where there are 6 PGs it is alarming to see very young girls under 16 happily puffing away along with their boyfriends.
When a boy smokes he may get lung cancer, cardiac problems etc.
But when a girl smokes in adition to all these she may get PCOS, fibroids, breast cancers etc. also. Biologically the girl’s body has more organs than the boy’s and all of these can go wrong anytime. The girls and their parents should understand this and be cautious.
The bottom line is that the modern day parents have no control over their children and they are ever so willing to be indulgent.