In a continued commitment to enlightening the community about pressing health issues, Dr. Shekhar Salkar recently captivated an audience at the Dyanada Swatantraysenani Laxmidas Borkar Memorial Auditorium in Dilasa with a compelling lecture series focusing on the hazards of tobacco use and the broader context of substance abuse. This informative session drew an impressive crowd of 125 participants, primarily comprising students and educators eager to delve deeper into the subject.
The focal point of Dr. Salkar’s discourse was the alarming rise in tobacco consumption among adolescents, particularly highlighting the growing trends of both smoking and smokeless tobacco use. He shed light on a troubling reality: a rising number of adolescent females are showing increased susceptibility to alcohol and tobacco use compared to previous generations.
Several contributing factors were explored during the lecture. Dr. Salkar emphasized the role of family dynamics, noting that the presence of smoking family members significantly increases the likelihood of younger individuals adopting similar habits. Peer pressure also emerged as a major theme, with the desire to fit in often pushing vulnerable teens toward smoking and substance use. Additionally, the glamorization of tobacco by celebrities, especially through social media and films, has created an environment where such habits are normalized.
As the session progressed, Dr. Salkar connected the dots between smoking, alcohol, and drug abuse, stressing their interlinked nature. He advocated for the early identification of behavioral changes in youth—such as shifts in style and social groups—as warning signs that must be addressed early to prevent addiction.
One of the most powerful takeaways from his presentation was the message that while quitting smoking may seem difficult, it is achievable through sheer willpower. His statement that “No smoking is the best strategy” echoed through the auditorium, leaving participants with a sense of hope and determination for change.
Dr. Salkar also warned that “The gateway to drugs is through smoking”, urging teachers to play a proactive role in identifying student stress and referring them to school counselors, who are now present in every institution.
This thought-provoking lecture left attendees more informed and motivated—ready to promote healthier choices in their communities and support one another in resisting the dangerous allure of tobacco and substance abuse. Dr. Salkar’s powerful insights ignited a spark of awareness among both youth and educators, paving the way for a generation better equipped to resist addiction.
