Vision Meets Action: ICanCaRe & Christ University Join Hands for a Tobacco-Free Tomorrow
Date of Signing: 11 August 2025
Venue: CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Delhi-NCR Campus
Signatories:
- Dr. Jeanne Poulose M.T., Dean, Delhi-NCR Campus on behalf of Christ University
- Dr. Pawan Gupta, Founder Director, ICanCaRe
Where Vision Meets Purpose — Project UMEED Begins a New Chapter
“Leadership shapes culture. Culture saves lives.”
On 11th August 2025, a significant stride was taken in the fight against tobacco addiction among youth. ICanCaRe and CHRIST University (Delhi-NCR Campus) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under Project UMEED – A Hope to Live, marking a new era in collaborative public health leadership.
This wasn’t just a ceremonial exchange of papers. It was a declaration of intent, responsibility, and commitment to championing a healthier generation.
Why This MoU Matters: The Urgency Behind the Initiative
Did you know?
In Uttar Pradesh, 42.1% of men and 7.9% of women above 15 years use tobacco. Even more alarming — the average age of tobacco initiation is just 9.5 years.
This disturbing data from NFHS-5 and GYTS underlines the urgent need for early intervention—especially within educational institutions.
Project UMEED addresses this very need by focusing on:
- Conducting detailed institutional tobacco usage surveys
- Training student marshals and peer educators
- Implementing year-long awareness and behavior-change activities
- Creating a sustainable anti-tobacco culture across campus and beyond
Highlights of the MoU Signing Ceremony
- The MoU was signed in the esteemed presence of the Christ University leadership, faculty, and student representatives.
- Dr. Pawan Gupta, delivering a keynote address, emphasized the power of student-led change, stating:
“Students are not just the future—they are the catalysts of present change. Empower them, and society transforms.” - Following the formal signing, enthusiasm filled the room—evident in the collective resolve seen in faculty and student volunteers who pledged support to implement Project UMEED across various touchpoints on campus.
Project UMEED: The Year-Long Action Plan at Christ University
From orientation sessions to community street plays, the roadmap is well-charted:
Each activity is designed to generate measurable impact — before-after surveys, volunteer outreach data, and community engagement metrics will drive evidence-based action.
A Moment that Marks the Beginning of Hope
The official launch of Project UMEED – “A Hope to Live” was spearheaded by Dr. Pawan Gupta, Sr. Director of Surgical Oncology and Founder of ICanCaRe, in the presence of students, faculty, and leadership of CHRIST University, Delhi NCR.
His address wasn’t just informative—it was transformational.
“Awareness is the first cure. Prevention is the best strategy. Empower the youth, and we safeguard the nation’s future,” Dr. Gupta affirmed, calling upon the young minds to become torchbearers of the anti-tobacco movement.
This moment—held in A Block, Main Auditorium on 11th August 2025, from 1:15 PM to 2:15 PM—marked not just an academic initiative but the rise of a purpose-driven student movement.
The stage is now set. The mission is clear. And the torch has been passed to those who are ready to carry the flame of awareness, action, and accountability.
A Step Beyond Policy – Creating Culture
Christ University is doing more than implementing a rule. It is building a culture of health—one that doesn’t end at campus gates.
By joining hands with ICanCaRe, the institution demonstrates that transformational leadership isn’t about authority—it’s about responsibility. A responsibility to protect dreams, nurture health, and create a society free from the clutches of tobacco.
A Call to Action: What Can You Do?
- If you’re a student, volunteer to become a peer educator.
- If you’re a faculty member, mentor and engage in awareness activities.
- If you’re a policymaker, support such models in other institutions.
- And if you’re a parent or guardian, initiate conversations at home about tobacco and its real risks.
Together, We Can. Together, We Must.
ICanCaRe and Christ University have sparked a change. Let’s keep the flame alive.
Because every effort counts. Every conversation matters. And every life saved is a victory.
Let’s Inspire More Institutions to Follow This Path.
#ICanCaRe
#ChristUniversity
#ProjectUMEED
#TobaccoFreeCampus
#VisionaryLeadership
#MoU
#PublicHealth
#InstitutionalLeadership
#SaveLives
