Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 31: “Anti Tobacco Day” was observed across the State. Various educational institutions organised painting competition, symposium competition, rallies to mark the day.
Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Sham Lal Sharma has sought the support of cross-sections of society to deal with the menace of tobacco and drug abuse, which is causing destruction for the younger generation.
Speaking at “World No Tobacco Day” function, organized by the Department of Students Welfare and National Service Scheme, Kashmir University today at Gandhi Bhawan, Sharma said that making of deterrent laws is not sufficient but there should be an attitudinal change in the mindset of people.
He asked the students to become the ambassadors for this social cause and spread this message in their homes, in their areas and friend circle to keep away from the Tobacco and other social evils, which are eating the vitals of the society.
Vice Chancellor KU, Prof Talat Ahmed, Dean Students Welfare, Prof Nilofer Khan, Coordinator, NSS, Dr Farooq Ahmed Khan, Head, Department of Medicines, SKIMS, Prof Parvez Koul, faculty members, students were present on the occasion.
On the occasion, various competitions like, painting, poster making and debate were held on the subject, which were appreciated by the audience.
Earlier, Health Minister flagged off an Anti-Tobacco Rally, being organized by the Drugs and Food Control Organization in association with the Department of Health, Kashmir University, and Voluntary Health Organization at Nehru Park. The rally started from the Nehru Park and culminated at SKICC. Hundreds of school/college students with placards in their hands raised slogans like ‘No to Tobacco and its allied products and ban on Gutkas’.
Several volunteers of Civil Defense, Indian Red Cross Society, Voluntary Health Organization, citizens, doctors, academicians, para-medics and people participated in the rally.
Minister for Medical Education RS Chib said that effective and concrete measures are needed to eradicate the menace of smoking, which is the biggest cause of the dreaded cancer disease throughout the world.
Chib was speaking at function jointly organized by Divisional Administration, Health and Medical Education, Education, Youth Services and Sports departments and Drug and Food Safety Organization in collaboration with Voluntarily Health Association of India, J&K Voluntarily Health and Development Association and J&K Bharat Scouts and Guides to celebrate “No Tobacco Day”.
Referring to indices, Chib said that over six lakh people annually die due to smoking in the country. He said that about four thousands chemicals are used in preparation of tobacco products, of which 250 are more hazardous not only to the health of smokers but on the health of second and passive smokers.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Post Master General, J&K circle, John Samuel highlighted the ill effects of smoking and chewing of tobacco products. He declared the vicinity of entire General Post Offices (GPO) as smoke free zone.
Earlier, Chib released special cover of post office on the topic “Quit Smoking” which will be available in all post offices of the country for general public. Later, Chib flagged-off the rally of students holding placards depicting messages and pictures regarding ill effects of smoking.
Chairman, Voluntarily Health Association of India, Prof G Q Allqaband and Executive Director J&K Voluntarily Health and Development Association, Srinagar Qazi Mohammad Amin also spoke on the occasion and threw light on the menace of smoking.
The artists presented skits on the subject, which was highly applauded by the audience.
“Anti Tobacco Day” was observed at District Court Complex, Ramban under the supervision of Kusoom Pandita, incharge Chairman, District Legal Services Committee.
The speakers impressed upon the gathering to create awareness among the illiterate and marginalized sections of the society regarding the preventive measures of smoking, which is spreading in the country at alarming rate and taking heavy toll of lives.
Department of Environment and Remote Sensing organised Symposium and Painting competition on the eve of World Tobacco Day at Government Higher Secondary School, Channi, in which students participated enthusiastically.
On the occasion, VK Raina, Regional Director, Department of Environment and Remote Sensing was the chief guest, while Ravinder Singh Risam, Principal of the school, presided over the function.
In Painting competition, Vikas Kumar, Ravi Panday and Mukesh Kumar were adjudged as first, second and third positions respectively while Prem Lata Kumar secured consolation prize. In Symposium competition, Zakir Hussain, Uttam Chand, Monika were declared first, second and third respectively while Suman won the consolation prize.
on the eve of “No Tobacco Day”, Food Safety Officer, block Akhnoor, Parvez Ahmed Choudhary inspected various areas including Main bazaar, Akhnoor hospital, Jhourian, Khour, Palanwala Hospital, Government Degree College and other public places and declared block Akhnoor tobacco free.
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