Visionary filmmaker Rajamouli lights 25-ft cigarette

Fight Smoking Campaign

Pledging his support to the ‘Fight Smoking’ campaign of American Oncology Institute (AOI), ace director of ‘Baahubali’ fame, SS Rajamouli flagged off the initiative at the campus on Monday, by burning a 25 ft cigarette effigy, symbolically conveying the victory over evil habit.

Speaking at the launch, the director said, “I would suggest you to take the pledge and awaken that hero within you. When you stop smoking you help yourself and others around you to achieve a healthy and prospering life.” With the support of Rajamouli, AOI aims to reach out to maximum cigarette smoking population and extend a helping hand to fight one of the biggest evils.

By initiating a conversation on Twitter and Facebook, Rajamouli also kicked off the initiative on social media along with Joseph A Nicholas, President and CEO, American Oncology Institute, Dr RP Raju, MD and Executive Vice Chairman, Citizens Hospital and Dr Babaiah, Medical Director, American Oncology Institute.

With the message of ‘Be The Hero Of Your Life’, the campaign aspires to find the “heroes” among smokers, who stop smoking by winning over the evil. A team of doctors including the clinical psychologist, psychiatrist, pulmonologist, cardiologist and an oncologist at American Oncology Institute and Citizens Hospital have been deputed to help those who come forward to quit smoking.

Elaborating on the campaign, Dr Babaiah said, “The programme targets platforms to reach out to all the age groups especially the youth through social media, art and short film contests to spread the message to everyone in various spheres of life. The campaign will include props like selfie booth with Rajamouli in public places, exclusive campaigns in colleges and malls.”

An inspired Joseph A Nicholas said, “Our special call centre, medical care professionals and social media associates will provide scientific and real time assistance to the courageous people who want to take the pledge.”