New Delhi: After the October 2 Smoking Ban failed to deter most smokers from puffing away in public, students of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) have now taken up the cause to make the varsity's campus smoke-free.

The 'Breath of Life', a group of students at JNU, will sensitize students about the ill-effects of smoking in public places.

The group is planning a series of demonstrations within the varsity's campus to spread the message. It has planned a demonstration, 'Breath of Life Celebration', where all tobacco products will be dumped in a pit near the Ganga Dhaba.

Convener of the group, Vijay Pal said, "A request letter was earlier written to the JNU administration to take tobacco-free initiatives on the campus in the context of this year's slogan 'Tobacco Free Youth'. The administration, however, did not respond".

"Even after the Central Government banned smoking in public places, the trend is still on at the campus. It can be easily seen inside the TV rooms, canteens and dhabas", Vijay Pal said.

Vijay Pal gave the example of the India Global Health Professional Student Survey (2006), which said that around 73 percent students are exposed to second hand smoke in public places.

"Students have come forward and are sharing their concerns with us in this regard", said a convener of the group.

"It is just a start. This matter will be again taken to the JNU administration", added the convener.

JNU Campus Development Committee Chairman Manoj Pant said the university has banned smoking in the academic complex, classrooms and libraries.

"We have put out circulars everywhere and banned smoking in common rooms and games rooms. We are not sure if the ban extends to the hostel rooms and it will be difficult to impose such a ban there," Pant added.