Ahmedabad 31 May 2025 — In a spirited initiative to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco, HCG Aastha Cancer Centre and HCG Hospitals, Ahmedabad, came together on World No Tobacco Day,organized ‘Wheels of Change: Ride Against Tobacco’. The event comprised atwo-part community initiative that blended physical activity and creative expression;through a bike rally and a zombie-themed dance performance. It was flagged off by Doctors and promoted public health education, throughplacards carrying motivationalanti-tobacco messages.
The bike rally that started from HCG Aastha Cancer Centre and concluded at Teapots Desi Café, drawing participation from bike-ridergroups, families, healthcare professionals,and residents of the city. A brief awareness session followed, where HCG doctors and fitness experts shared insights on the impact of tobacco and the importance of timely lifestyle changes. Participants also received eco-conscious giveaways such as plant saplings and reusable straws, to promote healthier living habits.
As part of the World No Tobacco Day initiative, HCG organized a creative performance at a prominent residential complex, featuring dancers dressed as zombies to raise awareness about the long-term harm tobacco inflicts on the body. Through expressive storytelling and impactful visual themes, the show shed light on how addiction silently deteriorates health. The performance drew a strong response from the audience and successfully sparked meaningful conversation, excitingly and especially, among young viewers.
Dr. Purvi Dave Patel, Head and Neck Surgical Oncologist, HCG Aastha Cancer Centre, Ahmedabad, on the occasion of “World No Tobacco Day”,said, “Tobacco remains one of the top preventable causes of cancer, especially oral and lung cancers. This initiative served as an opportunity to start early conversations within the communityespecially among the youthregarding the hazards of tobacco use. Raising awareness is vital in preventing the initiation and reducing the consumption of tobacco, and HCG remains committed to actively supporting and participating in such initiatives.”
The Departmentof Cardiac Sciences at HCG Hospitals, Mithakhali, Ahmedabad, emphasized:
“Such events facilitate proactive interactions that educate people about the risks of heart disease, stroke, COPD, infertility, and weakened immune systems resulting from tobacco use, including smokeless forms. Fortunately, quitting—even later in life—offers immediate and long-term health benefits, making awareness and early prevention critical in the fight against preventable cancers.”
Through this initiative, HCG reaffirmed its commitment to preventive care and community outreach. By combining health messaging with creative formats, including the activity ofbike-riding and the medium of performance arts, ‘Wheels of Change’ inspired many to reflect on their choices and move toward healthier, tobacco-free living. The visible and substantive response received by this effort reflects the positive potential for ongoing auto-correction and adoption of healthier lifestyles, especially by the youth.
