SHOPIAN: In a concerted effort to combat tobacco use and promote a healthier society, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Shopian, in collaboration with the Health Department Shopian, organized a comprehensive awareness program at ANMT School on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from a cross-section of the community, including ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, students, and Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs), all unified in their commitment to a tobacco-free future.
Prominent Speakers Highlight Health & Legal Dimensions
The program featured enlightening addresses from key dignitaries:
- Dr. Arshid Hussain Tak, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Shopian, underscored the severe health hazards associated with tobacco use and emphasized the need for robust cessation programs.
- Dr. Mohd Yousuf Naikoo, Block Medical Officer (BMO) Shopian, elaborated on community-level health initiatives and preventive strategies aimed at curbing tobacco addiction.
- Rafie Ahmad Ganie, Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel (LADC) Shopian, shed light on the legal framework surrounding tobacco control, particularly the implementation of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA).
- Shahnawaz Raina, Deputy Chief LADC Shopian, stressed the importance of legal awareness and education in reducing tobacco use.
Interactive Sessions & Pledge Ceremony
The event also included interactive sessions and awareness speeches designed to educate attendees on the risks of both smoking and smokeless forms of tobacco. A collective pledge ceremony was held, with participants vowing to adopt and advocate for a tobacco-free lifestyle.
Reaffirming Commitment to Public Health
The observance of World No Tobacco Day serves to:
- Raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco.
- Advocate for stringent tobacco control measures.
- Motivate individuals to quit through accessible support systems.
Both the DLSA Shopian and the Health Department reaffirmed their commitment to organizing similar initiatives in the future, aiming to bolster public health and promote legal empowerment within the community.
