The Department of Community Medicine, in collaboration with the Rural Health Training Centre, Lakkur, organized a World No Tobacco Day awareness programme on June 4, 2026 at Government High School, Lakkur. The initiative aimed to empower young students with the knowledge and mindset needed to make healthy, tobacco‑free choices.
Educating the Next Generation
A total of 50 students from Classes 7 and 8 participated in the session, conducted under the theme “Unmasking the Appeal – Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction.”
The program focused on helping children understand how tobacco products are marketed, the dangers they pose, and why resisting the early appeal of nicotine is crucial for lifelong health.
Understanding the Risks of Tobacco and Nicotine Products
Students were educated on the harmful effects of various tobacco and nicotine products, including
- Conventional cigarettes
- Smokeless tobacco
- E‑cigarettes and vapes
- Nicotine pouches
The session highlighted the short‑term and long‑term health risks associated with tobacco use, including addiction, respiratory problems, heart disease, and the overall impact on wellbeing. Students were encouraged to stay alert to peer pressure and develop healthy lifestyle habits that support tobacco‑free living.
A Commitment to Health
The programme concluded with all participating students taking a pledge to remain tobacco-free and to promote awareness within their families and communities. This simple but meaningful commitment reflects the growing need to equip young people with the knowledge and confidence to make positive choices.
Towards a Tobacco‑Free Future
The initiative reinforces the ongoing efforts of the Department of Community Medicine and the Rural Health Training Centre to advocate for preventive health education. By reaching students early and fostering informed decision‑making, programs like these play a vital role in building healthier communities and shaping a tobacco‑free generation.
