Tobacco use drains around 350bn rupees from the Indian economy , kills more than 900,000 people each year in India .
The Indian government delayed implementation of graphic pictures on cigarette packs, due to elections.
54-year-old Raj Kumari Devi , of Anandpur, Bihar , wife of an unemployed farmer,who took to the fields despite opposition from her father-in-law has been honoured with the Kisan Shree award.
The feat?
In a region famed for growing cannabis and tobacco since the 1970s, she has persuaded farmers to switch to mango, banana, litchi, papaya and vegetables.
“When I was younger, I was an active health services volunteer. When I learnt that chewing tobacco leads to cancer, I vowed to stop farmers from growing it".
And yes. She wasn't standing for elections then.
Crossing the desert
5 days ago
4 comments:
Good to start the day with real stories of such heroines who are making a real difference out there. I was not aware that tobacco was such a big killer...fortunately I chucked the habit in time!
Inspiring story- and good to read that she did this because she believed in it, not as propaganda for some election!
"fortunately I chucked the habit in time.."
... wish more could do it and yet there is no real awareness for it.. the smoker sees it as an infringement to their basic human rights.. while the fact is that it is actually draining the wealth and health of non-smokers too..
Thanks for the inspiring post...nd yes the usual excuse that there will be loss in employment is also being taken care of...
A timely post with absolutely apt title-Woman Power.
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