Puttur: St Philomena College (Autonomous), Puttur, in association with the Postgraduate Department of Social Work and the Yaksha Kala Kendra, observed ‘World No Tobacco Day’ with the theme “Unveiling the Reality of the Ill-Effects of Tobacco”. A series of awareness and educational programs were organised to sensitise students on the harmful consequences of tobacco and other narcotic substances.
Dr Naveen Chandra Kulal, District Surveillance Officer and District Tobacco Control Programme Officer, served as the chief resource person. He delivered an elaborate and insightful session on the physical, psychological, and societal damage caused by tobacco consumption, and also outlined the key legal frameworks in place to combat its usage.
Rev. Dr Antony Prakash Monteiro, Principal of the College, administered the ‘World No Tobacco Day’ pledge to the student community. He also enlightened them on the various ways people fall prey to substance abuse and the resultant health crises.
As part of the observance, various competitions were conducted to engage students creatively in the anti-tobacco campaign. In the poster-making competition, Adhwaitha K. from II M.Sc. (Physics) secured the first prize, Ganyashree from I M.Sc. (Mathematics) won the second, and Lavanya K. M. from I M.Com. bagged the third prize. All winners were felicitated with awards and certificates.
The event witnessed the presence of Dr Deepak Rai, Taluk Health Officer, and Mr Wilfred Rodrigues, Assistant Director, Taluk Panchayat, Puttur, as guests on the dais. Prashanth Rai, Director of Yaksha Kala Kendra, delivered the welcome address, Pratibha K. from the PG Department of Social Work proposed the vote of thanks. The session began with a prayer led by Pranamya and team.