AIIMS says commentary piece by researchers on e-cigarette ban doesn't represent its view
New Delhi, Aug 10 (PTI): The AIIMS on Sunday clarified that a commentary piece by two of its researchers advocating a relook at India's ban on e-cigarettes is the authors' views and does not represent the institute's stance on the issue.
"The AIIMS is in full support of the Government of India's ban on e-cigarettes under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019," it said in a statement.
As nicotine use among youth continues to rise as a potential threat in the country, AIIMS said that it strongly cautions against the deceptive advertisements of e-cigarettes under the garb of being a "safe alternative", particularly when it is being used in an unregulated or recreational setting.
In response to media reports referencing an opinion on Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), commonly known as e-cigarettes, AIIMS reiterated its clear and long-standing position opposing any form of tobacco and nicotine use, including e-cigarettes.
The premier institute clarified that individual opinions and their conclusions are solely the responsibility of the respective principal investigators and research teams, and "do not represent the official stance or endorsement of AIIMS as an institution".
The institute reaffirms its commitment to rigorous scientific standards, emphasising that only studies reviewed and formally adopted by its expert committees or management are considered the AIIMS' official position.
The AIIMS consistently supports data-driven, evidence-based medical practice and policy and notes that any interpretation or unapproved communication should not be attributed to the institute as a whole, the statement said.
It further stated that AIIMS has issued warnings against promoting, or even casually accepting, ENDS and e-cigarettes, especially among the youth.
"The institute proudly stood in support of the Government of India's 2019 countrywide ban on ENDs, and will continue to stand for sound, scientific, and cautious public health policies," the statement said.
AIIMS Director Dr M Srinivas has unequivocally stated in his address that the Institute is completely opposed to e-cigarettes
He said, "AIIMS has always taken a clear stance against smoking and nicotine use, including e-cigarettes. We support prevention, regulation, and cessation, not replacement with unregulated alternatives." "Furthermore, official statements or policy communications are exclusively issued through designated AIIMS spokespersons or the administration.
"AIIMS is committed to transparency and will continue to clarify its position when media or other entities misattribute findings to the institute," he said.
The statement underlined that for authoritative information or clarification, one needs to refer to official notifications published on the AIIMS website or direct communication from authorised institutional representatives.
It said that through the activities of its Tobacco Cessation Clinic (TCC), one of the first of its kind in India, AIIMS has led tobacco cessation initiatives in India.
"The very existence and continuous working of this clinic speaks of AIIMS' unwavering dedication towards scaling down the burden of tobacco-related diseases in India," the statement added.
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R-Day parade: Navy wins best marching contingent award, Maharashtra tops tableau category
New Delhi (PTI): Indian Navy has been adjudged the best marching contingent among the three wings of the armed forces at this year's Republic Day Parade, officials have said.
Maharashtra won the top prize in the category of states and Union Territories for its tableau showcasing Ganeshotsav, while the culture ministry's tableau celebrating the 150-year legacy of 'Vande Mataram' emerged as the winner in the ministries and departments category.
The Navy's marching contingent comprised 144 young personnel marching shoulder-to-shoulder on the historic Kartavya Path, symbolising it as a progressive and strong maritime force, Navy officials said on Wednesday.
The Navy's marching contingent won the top prize in the best marching contingent among the three services, while Delhi Police's contingent was adjudged the best marching contingent among Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and other auxiliary forces, they said.
In the state and Union Territories tableau category, Jammu and Kashmir won the second prize, followed by Kerala in third place.
Maharashtra's tableau presented a blend of modernity and tradition, portraying the Ganesh festival as a symbol of self-reliance. Dressed in traditional attire, a troupe of women dancers performed Lezim, a folk dance, on either side of the tableau during the parade on the ceremonial boulevard.
The culture ministry's tableau celebrated 150 years of 'Vande Mataram', showcasing the song's composition by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, a colonial-era recording by a famous Marathi singer and its rendition by a group representing the 'Gen Z'.
Themed 'Vande Mataram: The Soul-Cry of a Nation', the tableau's foreground section depicted the manuscript of 'Vande Mataram' being composed, while a panel on its lower side depicted an image of Chatterjee.
The middle section carried a group of artistes in traditional costumes, depicting the folk diversity of India, while some were seen in modern dresses, representing the 'Gen Z'.
Behind them, a series of art installations showcased celebrated actor and musician of Marathi cinema and theatre, Vishnupant Pagnis, recording the song, freedom fighters facing the gallows, and an imposing image of 'Bharat Mata' (Mother India) holding the Tricolour.
The depiction was of the rare 1928 recording of the song by him, an official said.
The award presentation ceremony will take place on January 30 at the Rashtriya Rangshala Camp, another official said.
A special prize was awarded to the Central Public Works Department's tableau, which celebrated 150 years of 'Vande Mataram' with a floral float; and the 'Vande Mataram: The Eternal Resonance of India' dance group, officials said.
In the 'Popular Choice' category, based on an online poll conducted on the MyGov portal, citizens voted the Assam Regiment as the best marching contingent among the three services, while the CRPF won the award for the best marching contingent among the CAPFs and other auxiliary forces.
Gujarat secured the top spot in the popular choice category for states and Union territories with its tableau themed 'Mantra of Swadeshi-Self-Reliance-Freedom: Vande Mataram', followed by Uttar Pradesh (theme - Culture of Bundelkhand) and Rajasthan (theme - Golden Touch of the Desert: Bikaner Gold Art).
The Department of School Education and Literacy's tableau (theme - National Education Policy) was chosen as the best tableau from central ministries and departments in the 'Popular Choice' category, they said.
