This year World No Tobacco Day (May 31), witnessed an extraordinary movement led by over 70 adolescent changemakers from the slums of Mumbai. Dressed as Mahatma Gandhi, Munna Bhai, and Circuit, these young leaders are taking to the streets with a powerful message rooted in Ahimsa (non-violence) — using nukkad nataks (street plays) to challenge the deceptive marketing tactics.
These performances are a direct response to the World Health Organization’s 2025 theme for World No Tobacco Day. Through compelling street theatre in 20 underserved communities across Mumbai, the young crusaders are raising awareness about how children and youth are targeted by flashy, misleading advertisements and marketing tricks.
Navin, 15, a Grade 9 Government School student, shares: “Growing up, I saw tobacco all around me in my community. The advertisements were so flashy and tempting. Even I found them interesting. But when a Didi from Salaam Bombay Foundation visited our school, she explained the ill-effects of tobacco. That session broke our ignorance. My friends and I decided that we must raise awareness amongst our community as well. We chose the path of Gandhigiri and Ahimsa, using street plays to raise our voices and educate those around us.”
These plays are not just performances; they are acts of adolescent-led change, education and honed life skills.
Tshering Bhutia, Chief Innovation Officer and Senior Vice President of the Preventive Health Education Programme at Salaam Bombay Foundation, expressed her pride in the students:
“These nukkad nataks are entirely student-led. We are incredibly proud of these young leaders who are turning awareness into action. They are stepping up with purpose, performing powerful dramas that spark conversations and promote healthier choices across their communities.”
