Mangaluru : On the occasion of World No Tobacco Day, a powerful awareness programme was inaugurated on Saturday at the Government Teacher Education College in Mangaluru. Speaking at the event, Dr. Thimmaiah, the District Health Officer (DHO) of Dakshina Kannada, delivered a stern warning against the perils of substance abuse. He emphasized that tobacco in any form is a silent killer that slowly destroys human health and ultimately ends life. Urging the audience to cultivate strong willpower, he stated that breaking free from addiction through firm resolve and consistent efforts is the only way to ensure a beautiful and healthy future.
Adding to the discourse, Dr. Shivaprakash, the Superintendent of Wenlock District Hospital, advised the student community to critically analyze contemporary advertisements. He pointed out that many attractive commercial campaigns subtly glamorize tobacco and gutka consumption. He warned that experimenting with these lethal substances out of sheer curiosity or celebrity influence can lead to tragic life consequences. Addressing the future educators at the college, he stressed the importance of keeping their analytical and rational thinking active to counter the deceptive motives hidden behind mainstream media advertisements.
The legal dimensions of substance abuse were brought to light by Gopalakrishna Shetty, a representative of the District Legal Services Authority. He provided a detailed overview of the stringent anti-tobacco and anti-gutka legislation currently in place. He noted that the legal framework governing these prohibited products is exceptionally tough, and the absolute best way to stay safe from legal ramifications is to maintain a strict distance from these harmful substances.
Presiding over the function, O.R. Prakash, Reader and In-charge Principal of the Government Teacher Education College, raised a critical societal concern regarding the tobacco industry. He observed that thousands of families have been involved in the manufacturing, selling, and transporting of bidi, cigarettes, and other tobacco products as a livelihood for decades, often oblivious to or overlooking the fact that their trade ruins millions of lives. He declared that the time has come for society to seriously rethink the sustainability and ethics of such industries.
The event featured a comprehensive technical session by dentist Dr. Arati Kulkarni, who served as the resource person. She delivered an insightful lecture on the devastating physical ailments triggered by different tobacco products, while also shedding light on various cessation methods and government initiatives aimed at eradication. The programme also witnessed a moving testimonial from Prasanna Kumar, a former tobacco user who successfully quit the habit and shared his journey toward a healthier life. Other notable attendees included PSI Nidhi from the Dakshina Kannada SP office. The gathering was welcomed by Dr. Deepa Prabhu K.P., District Enforcement Officer of the District Tobacco Control Cell, thanked by District Health Education Officer Jyothi K. Ulepadi, and anchored by student Ashura Begum.
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