Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Dr. Shekhar Salkar, renowned oncologist and President of the National Organisation for Tobacco Eradication (NOTE), has issued a sharp rebuke to companies using surrogate advertising to promote addictive products under the guise of patriotism and progress.
In a strongly worded statement, Dr. Salkar said, “India’s progress over the last 60 years wasn’t built by mouth fresheners. It was built by honest citizens, ethical businesses, and real effort.”
He criticized companies that exploit national sentiment while contributing to rising cancer rates and youth addiction. “India’s progress was built by the brave, but is now being claimed by the deceptive,” he said, referring to brands that sponsor major national events and wrap themselves in the tricolor while promoting products linked to tobacco and other harmful substances.
Dr. Salkar warned that as India rises on the efforts of scientists, healthcare workers, and ethical entrepreneurs, some brands continue to profit from addiction, “running flashy ads during national tournaments and pretending to be part of India’s journey.”
“Cancer rates are rising, youth are getting hooked, and they are profiting,” he added.
He urged citizens not to allow what he termed “cancer merchants” to distort the country’s developmental narrative. “India’s development has been built — not bought with ad slots,” Dr. Salkar concluded.
His remarks come amid growing concern over the role of surrogate advertising in glamorizing harmful products, especially during events with wide national reach.
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