New Delhi, April 16 -- A seminar organised by Mothers Against Vaping (MAV) brought together policymakers, educators and healthcare experts, who called for integrating values education into outcome-based learning to build a responsible and future-ready generation.
Speakers stressed that India's progress towards becoming a developed nation by 2047 depends on nurturing strong character among its youth. The event, themed "Educating for Values, Protecting Our Children," highlighted that preventing addiction is not just a regulatory issue but a broader societal responsibility.
Experts warned that vaping products are deliberately designed to attract children through gadget-like designs, bright colours and appealing flavours, while aggressive social media promotion normalises their use.
Misleading terms such as "safer alternatives" further weaken risk perception. Despite the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), 2019, these products continue to reach students through informal channels, with supply identified as the key challenge. Stronger enforcement was widely urged.
Ram Singh, Joint Director, Ministry of Education, emphasised coordination between education, health and enforcement agencies, announcing a three-year "Nasha Mukt Vidyalaya" plan under Nasha Mukt Bharat.
Experts said curriculum reform alone is insufficient. Values must be demonstrated by educators, while schools should prioritise student well-being and early intervention. The seminar concluded with a call for a "National Action Plan for Guardians of Values," focusing on awareness, training, stricter enforcement and multi-stakeholder collaboration.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.