Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct. 9: The state-level launch of ‘Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 3.0’ was organized today by the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) – State Health Society under the Directorate of Health Services, A&N Administration in the auditorium of TGCE here. The programme was graced by Ms. Richa, Secretary (Health) / Mission Director – UTHM, as the chief guest, and Dr. Suja Antony, Director of Health Services, as the guest of honour. The event was also attended by Dr. Satyajit Halder, Nodal Officer, NTCP, senior officials from the Directorate of Health Services, students, and faculty members from various educational institutions.
In her address, the Secretary (Health), appreciated the collective efforts of schools, colleges, and health authorities in promoting the cause of tobacco control. She emphasized the role of young people as change agents in creating a tobacco-free generation, especially in the Islands of Andaman & Nicobar, where awareness and early intervention can make a lasting impact. She also highlighted the importance of Tobacco Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) guidelines in ensuring educational campuses remain completely tobacco-free.
The students of ANM Training School rendered a melodious prayer song, followed by a Keynote Address by Dr. Satyajit Halder, who highlighted the alarming statistics of tobacco use among youth and the importance of strengthening tobacco control initiatives through education and community participation. To spread awareness in an engaging manner, students from Khalsa Public School and ANM Training School performed ‘Nukkad Nataks’ (Street Plays) on the ill effects of tobacco and the power of youth in building a tobacco-free society. The vote of thanks was proposed by Ms. Zeba Z, Social Worker, NTCP.