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 They are themselves neglected children. But they
took up the cause against tobacco on 'No Tobacco Day' (May 31) to
instil the feeling in others.
Children from the transit ducation centres of
Vanniachatram, in the Red Hills area, took out an educative and
awareness rally against the use of tobacco in any form.
The children carried placards that
exhorted/requested people to abstain from using tobacco.
 "We found the prevalence of chest-related health
issues in the area due to the use of tobacco," says M R Hubert,
director of Shabnam Resources, a charitable trust that takes care of
these child labourers who have been rescued and rehabilitated.
The campaign was targeted at youths and adults,
and even shops that sell tobacco products.
 One of the shop-keepers
was so moved by the children's plea that he said he would suspend
the sale of tobacco products for a week.
"We gave him a small gift as an incentive for his
decision," adds Hubert.
He was full of praise for the children, who,
though faced with severe challenges themselve, have in a small way
contributed to the healthy living of the community.
Shabnam Resources can be reached at:
5, Buddha Street,
Kodambakkam,
Chennai - 600 024.
Phone: 0091-44-24721379
Fax: 0091-44-24833888
E-mail: mrhubert72@yahoo.com
R Chitra
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