Seek adventure in sports and higher career goals, not tobacco: Manisha Koirala

Children should find adventure in sports and higher career goals and not be drawn to tobacco use for the temporary excitement it provides, popular pan-India actress Ms Manisha Koirala said.

In a personal message addressed to “dear people of Kerala” in connection with Children’s Day, Ms Koirala who has successfully battled cancer, urged children to keep away from dangerous vices such as tobacco use.

The ‘Dil Se’ actress also wished “all children a very healthy and joyous life.”

Ms Koirala, a Goodwill Ambassador of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), hailed the Tobacco Free Kerala campaign as a model worthy of emulation by the rest of the country.

“I take this opportunity to congratulate the Kerala Government headed by the Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Oommen Chandy for initiating this campaign for promoting healthy lifestyles,” she wrote.

Significantly, it was on Children’s Day last year that Kerala was declared the first state in India to become tobacco advertisement-free at the points of sale. This achievement driven by the Health and Police Departments has brought Kerala fame both nationally and internationally.

Ms Koirala has portrayed roles of chain-smoking characters. Numerous scientific studies have shown that smoking, exposure to second-hand smoke and tobacco use causes cancer.