The Tobacco MARSHAL Empowerment Program was conducted on 9th February 2026 through a live webinar in Inner Wheel District 326, under the supervision of the Program Director PDC Dt. Sonal Bhatia and the District Chairman Ms. Madhusmita Tripathy.
A total of 68 participants joined the program, and each one assured that their club would work towards becoming tobacco-free, with every member taking responsibility as a Tobacco MARSHAL. The online training module https://www.training.icancare.com will be shared with all members, and Tobacco MARSHAL certificates will be downloaded upon completion.
For NAtional Chairman and Tobacco MARSHAL Leader, Dt. Sonal Bhatia, this initiative is part of her larger mission to serve society by eradicating tobacco through the Tobacco MARSHAL movement. She shared:
“This empowerment program, is designed to equip us with knowledge, confidence, and direction to act as Tobacco MARSHALS — informed leaders who can prevent, guide, and support those at risk.
I earnestly request all Club Presidents to take this initiative seriously and ensure wholehearted participation of every member from their respective clubs.
Let us remember —
Awareness saves lives. Leadership creates change. One empowered woman can influence an entire family.
By becoming Tobacco MARSHALS, we are not only supporting a program — we are shaping a healthier, stronger, drug-free India.”
Mrs. Madhusmita Tripathy, herself a Tobacco MARSHAL and a participant of VISION ODISHA 2036 under MISSION STAGE ZERO by ICanCare, expressed her commitment to involving society at large to eradicate tobacco in Odisha. She highlighted that Odisha is one of the largest consumers of tobacco and among the states with the highest incidence of oral cancer, largely due to the long-standing custom of betel nut chewing that begins at a young age.
She stated:
“At this defining moment for our society, I invite each one of you to rise beyond routine service and become part of a movement that truly matters — the Tobacco MARSHAL Empowerment Program, conducted by ICanCare (www.training.icancare.com) under the national theme ‘DROP DRUGS, NOT DREAMS’.
Tobacco and substance abuse are silently stealing the health, confidence, and future of our youth. As Inner Wheel members, we carry the responsibility — and the privilege — to protect families, guide young minds, and create safe communities.”
Responding to a question by Mrs. Padhy on the first step forward, Prof. Dr. Gupta emphasized that the priority must be to save the youth — starting by making our homes tobacco-free, and then reaching out to society through education rather than preaching. He further advised that individuals who have consumed tobacco for more than five years should be guided to perform the four-finger test and self oral examination, as they fall into the highest risk category for oral cancer.
ICanCare is empowering Tobacco MARSHALS with a Quitline/WhatsApp line: 9773856664, where photographs can be shared and doctors will guide the next steps required.
All MARSHALS will be provided with the “BE SMART – DO NOT START” video and PowerPoint presentation to conduct awareness sessions in the community. All activities must be reported in a disciplined manner through the activity form, helping document the reach and impact of the MARSHAL movement.
Dr. Supriya, a Tobacco Cessation Specialist, explained the available medical treatment options for quitting tobacco. Those seeking help can reach her through the ICanCare Helpline: 9773856664.
The Vote of Thanks was proposed by DVC Mrs. Manjusha Vaishampayan.
This program marks yet another significant step by Mrs. Sonal Bhatia towards fulfilling the Inner Wheel theme “DROP DRUGS, NOT DREAMS”, envisioned by the Association President Mrs. Jyoti Mahipal.
Let us unite with purpose, compassion, and commitment.
Together, let us Step Up, Learn, Lead, and Transform.
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