Srinagar, May 31 (KNS) : In commemoration of World No Tobacco Day 2025, the Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College (GMC), Srinagar organized a public health awareness event at Government Boys High School (GBHS), Takinwaripora, focusing on this year’s theme: “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products.”
The event featured elocution and poster competitions, with enthusiastic participation from students who highlighted the manipulative strategies of the tobacco industry and advocated for a tobacco-free future. A short skit, performed by students, creatively depicted the harmful influence of tobacco marketing on youth and emphasized the need for informed decision-making.
Dr. Zaid Zahoor, from the Department of Community Medicine, delivered a compelling lecture on the detrimental effects of smoking and nicotine use, underlining both immediate and long-term health consequences.
The audience was further addressed by Prof. (Dr.) S. M. Salim Khan, Head of the Department of Community Medicine, who encouraged students to act as No-Tobacco Ambassadors within their homes and communities. He urged them to take a stand by motivating family members to quit smoking and proudly display 'Tobacco Free Home' plaques.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Dr. Touseef Ahmad Bhat, Secretary, Rotary Club, Kashmir, echoed similar sentiments and emphasized the importance of community-level advocacy to counter tobacco industry propaganda.
Dr. Sameena Yousuf, Organising Secretary of the event, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing sincere appreciation to the Headmistress of GBHS, Takinwaripora,Nageena Shamas, and Irfan for their support and for providing a platform to engage with a demographic highly susceptible to tobacco industry influence.
The program concluded with a felicitation ceremony wherein winners of the elocution and poster competitions received certificates of merit and medals.
The students who performed the skit were awarded a trophy in recognition of their impactful performance.
All participants received certificates of participation to acknowledge their valuable contributions.
The event successfully fostered awareness and empowered students to become proactive in the fight against tobacco and nicotine use, aligning with the global mission to expose and resist industry tactics.(KNS)