Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 31: ‘World No Tobacco Day’ was observed here today across the Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh.
World No Tobacco Day was observed in Directorate of Health Services Jammu under the guidance of Director Health Services Jammu, Dr Abdul Hamid Zargar. The event was organized by State Tobacco Control Cell, Jammu Division under the aegis of National Tobacco Control Programme with technical support from Vital Strategies India Pvt Ltd, New Delhi. The programme was attended by Deputy Director Dentistry Dr. Sanjay Sharma, State Malariologist Dr. D.J Raina, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Harbaksh Singh, AD Schemes Dr. Ila Gupta, State Epidemiologist Dr. Harjeet Rai. A presentation was given by the Nodal Officer, NTCP on the Tobacco Epidemic, its epidemiology, health and environmental consequences of Tobacco use and Tobacco Control Laws, with a special focus on this year’s theme, which is: ‘Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products.’
To commemorate World No Tobacco Day 2025, Indira Gandhi Government Dental College, Jammu (IGGDCJ) carried out extensive activities under the guidance of Prof. (Dr.) Parveen Akhter Lone, Principal and Dean, IGGDCJ. The event was aimed at increasing awareness of the harmful effects of tobacco and tactics used by the tobacco industry to lure individuals. Speaking on the occasion Prof. (Dr.) Parveen Akhter Lone stated: “Dental professionals play a critical role in tobacco cessation. Our faculty is trained not just to treat but to educate and empower individuals to quit tobacco and improve their overall health.”
On World No Tobacco Day, the Department of Community Medicine at Government Medical College (GMC), Srinagar, organized a public health awareness event at Government Boys High School (GBHS), Takinwaripora. The event included elocution and poster competitions in which students highlighted the tobacco industry’s manipulative strategies and advocated for a tobacco-free future. A short skit was performed by students highlighting the harmful effects of tobacco marketing on youth. Dr. Zaid Zahoor delivered a compelling lecture on the detrimental effects of smoking and nicotine use, emphasizing both immediate and long-term health consequences. Dr. Touseef Ahmad Bhat, Secretary Rotary Club, Kashmir stressed on the importance of community-level advocacy in countering tobacco industry propaganda.
The Department of Community Medicine at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura observed World No Tobacco Day. In this regard an event was held to educate the public on the health hazards of tobacco and the manipulative strategies of the tobacco industry. Justice Ali Mohammad Magray, former Chief Justice of J&K and Ladakh HC, who was chief guest emphasized the power of education and legal enforcement in tackling tobacco-related issues. “Institutions like SKIMS have a responsibility to lead by example. When experts speak, people listen,” he said, urging strict implementation of existing tobacco-control laws. Akramullah Tak, Additional Commissioner, Kashmir, also addressed the gathering, stressing the urgent need for collective action to curb tobacco use and its devastating health impacts. Prof. M. Ashraf Ganie, Director, SKIMS, lauded the Department of Community Medicine for organizing the event and reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to public health.
On World No Tobacco Day, Bhargava Public School Samba conducted an Anti Tobacco Day Programme in collaboration with District Legal Services Authority Samba. The programme was presided over by Sub Judge Samba Sandeep Singh Sen who is the Secretary DLSA. Besides him the programme was graced by Rajni Sambyal, Itee Sharma, Versha Anthal, Assistant Legal Aid Defence Counsel, DLSA Samba. The students also presented papers on the topic. Painting Competition was also organized on the topic. Speaking on the occasion, Sandeep Singh Sen, Sub Judge Samba urged the students not to fall prey to Tobacco or other such products as they will ruin their life in the coming time.
To observe World No Tobacco Day 2025, District Tobacco Control Cell, Kargil, in collaboration with Team Stringmo, a dynamic group of young girls, organized marathon aimed at raising awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco and promoting a healthy, tobacco-free lifestyle in the district. Carrying placards and chanting slogans against tobacco use, the marathon runners sent a powerful message of commitment to public health and well-being. Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kargil, Shrikant Balasahib Suse graced the occasion as the chief guest and applauded the District Health Society for organizing the event and emphasized the importance of community engagement in tobacco control efforts. Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Kargil, Imteeaz Kacho was present as guest of honour and he commended the active involvement of women-led initiatives like Team Stringmo, calling them a symbol of empowerment and leadership in health and social change.
On World No Tobacco Day, Government Middle School, Byathang, Shilikchay organized an awareness programme. The event included a street play performed by students. At the end of the play, the students came together and chanted the final message: “Love your life and hate smoking, quit smoking and save lives.”
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