June 2: As the nation yesterday observed the World No Tobacco Day with the theme tobacco free youth, the Bumthang Dzongkhag organized a function at the Sonam Kuenphen Higher Secondary School.

Nearly 200 students from the school attended the function.

56-year-old Nado Tashi, a contractor, has been in the hospital for five months now. He is being treated for Tuberculosis. He is attended by his wife and children. He is also being treated for Bronchitis.

He picked up the habit as a 15 year old student at the Yangchenphu Public School. He also picked up another habit, chewing tobacco.

“I smoked at the age of 15 or 16 during my school days out of curiosity and peer pressure besides chewing khaini, it gives me pleasure and relaxation," he said.

Nado said his tuberculosis and bronchitis were caused by his smoking and tobacco chewing habits. He used to smoke 40 sticks of cigarettes a day, Nado says with regret as he lies on the bed.

At the world no tobacco day function at Sonam Kuenphen Higher Secondary School, health officials highlighted the ill effects of smoking and tobacco consumption.

The Dzongkhag medical officer Dr. Nima Wangchuk said quitting is the only answer and with strong willpower, it is possible to quit.

The lesson at the function is, for many Bhutanese youth who are learning to smoke like Nado did as a 15 year old carefree student, either due to peer pressure or because they think it is cool, the time to quit is now.