Project UMEED – A Hope to Live

Christ University, Ghaziabad | 11 August 2025

“When you empower the youth, you secure the future.”

The vibrant halls of Christ University’s Main Auditorium came alive on 11 August 2025 with the launch of Project UMEED – A Hope to Live, an inspiring initiative aimed at saving our youth from the devastating grip of tobacco.

Organized by the School of Business and Management (UG) in collaboration with ICanCaRe, the program brought together 382 enthusiastic freshers ready to be the torchbearers of a healthier tomorrow. Coordinated with dedication by Dr. Ila and Dr. Diksha Pandey, the event reflected meticulous planning and heartfelt commitment.

A Thought-Provoking Beginning

The students opened the program with a power-packed play themed on UMEED – Save the Youth from Tobacco. Through impactful dialogues and compelling performances, they painted a stark picture of tobacco’s silent destruction, while igniting a spark of hope that change is possible.

A Call to Action

As the keynote speaker, I shared stories, facts, and real-life case studies from my surgical oncology experience – stories of promising young lives lost too soon because of tobacco. I explained the 5 phases of tobacco use, the powerful addictive nature of nicotine, and why early intervention is critical.

I also introduced the Tobacco Marshal Program – a platform for young leaders to actively contribute towards creating a tobacco-free environment. The response was overwhelming: over 60% of participants pledged to become Tobacco Marshals on the spot.

The Heart of UMEED

UMEED stands for:

U – Understanding youth challenges
M – Motivating healthy lifestyle choices
E – Educating about the harms of tobacco
E – Empowering students to take action
D – Driving a tobacco-free campus movement

With this launch, Christ University has taken a powerful step towards transforming its campus into a model for health and social responsibility.

Acknowledgements

Gratitude to the management of Christ University for their vision and to every faculty member who supported this initiative. Special thanks to the organizing team and the freshers who proved that when youth unite for a cause, change is inevitable.

LINK TO PICTURES – https://photos.app.goo.gl/kBSNeFi3EvZRitmz5

https://photos.app.goo.gl/kBSNeFi3EvZRitmz5

“Tobacco-free campuses create leaders who inspire. Leaders who inspire create a society that thrives.”

Let us carry forward the mission of UMEED, expand the network of Tobacco Marshals, and make our campuses — and our country — free from the clutches of tobacco.

Join the movement. Be a Tobacco Marshal. Save a life.
📞 ICanCaRe Quitline: 9773856664