ISBR College in Electronic City Phase I, Bengaluru, recently organised a significant event to commemorate “World No Tobacco Day” on Friday, May 31, 2024. The initiative aimed to educate and empower the community on the severe consequences of tobacco use, fostering a commitment towards a healthier, tobacco-free future for all.
The event, reported by Prof. Rekha Srijith, focused on critical objectives: raising awareness about tobacco’s dangers, highlighting its harmful impacts, and safeguarding current and future generations from its health, social, environmental, and economic harms.
Expert Insights and Awareness Initiatives
The session featured esteemed chief guests who shared invaluable insights into the perils of tobacco. Dr. Chandrakiran LS Gowda, the District Consultant for the National Tobacco Control Programme, Bengaluru Urban, Department of Health and Family Affairs, along with Dr. T.B.K. Sinha, an M.D. in Pathology from Patna Medical College with 50 years of service at Tata Main Hospital Jamshedpur, addressed the audience. They extensively covered the detrimental effects of cigarettes and other tobacco products on overall health. Their addresses underscored the importance of raising awareness about health risks associated with tobacco use and advocating for societal change to progress towards a healthier, tobacco-free future.
Event Outcomes and Impact
The “No Tobacco Day” event at ISBR College successfully delivered on its objectives, utilizing various engaging methods to convey its crucial message:
- Presentations: Information regarding the harmful effects of tobacco was disseminated through informative presentations.
- Video Presentations: A compelling video presentation was displayed, effectively raising awareness about the negative impact of tobacco on lung health, ranging from cancer to chronic respiratory diseases.
- Student Engagements: Students actively participated by showcasing their talents through skits, powerfully conveying the message that tobacco and its products are harmful to human health.
Conclusion: A Call for a Tobacco-Free Society
In conclusion, the event strongly emphasised that tobacco use remains a significant public health issue. The expert guests highlighted the strong link between tobacco use and a range of severe health problems, including lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
ISBR College’s “World No Tobacco Day” observance served as a crucial step in fostering awareness and promoting a healthier lifestyle within the community, reinforcing the collective responsibility to combat tobacco use for a brighter, healthier future.