WORLD NO TOBACCO DAY MAY 31 2025
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PROGRAM REPORT
To mark World No Tobacco Day 2025, the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology teamed up with the Department of Public Health Dentistry to host a series of awareness programs. These events, guided by the Heads of Department, Dr. Chandrakala and Dr. Umesh, focused on the theme "Unmasking the Appeal – Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products." The goal was to educate both students and the public about the dangers of tobacco and the deceptive marketing strategies used by the tobacco and nicotine industries.
From first-year BDS students to interns, everyone actively joined various online and offline activities. Online, students creatively shared anti-tobacco messages through slogan writing, e-poster creation, reels, and photography competitions. Offline events, like Big Picture and Face Painting, saw enthusiastic participation, allowing students to visually depict tobacco's dangers with their artistic talents.
Third and fourth-year students, along with interns, performed a flash mob and a street play. These impactful performances effectively showcased the harms of tobacco, earning appreciation for their powerful and engaging message.
As part of our community efforts, a public rally was held in Sulur, moving from the Government Hospital to the Sulur Bus Stand. BDS students, joined by those from RVS College of Nursing and Pharmacy, actively participated, drawing considerable public attention. A health talk educated the public on tobacco's severe consequences and industry manipulation. A pledge against tobacco use was administered in both English and Tamil to healthcare workers and the public, promoting a tobacco-free lifestyle. We also distributed informative pamphlets on tobacco risks and cessation resources. Additionally, a selfie booth and thumb impression campaign encouraged individuals to quit tobacco.
We conducted oral lesion screening camps and awareness programs at Angalakshmi Spinning Mills in Pallapalayam and RVS Matriculation Higher Secondary School. Clinical psychologists from Ahal Neuropsychiatry and De-addiction Hospital in Coimbatore led interactive sessions. The events concluded with a valedictory function, where Dr. Sandhiya, Consultant Psychiatrist, awarded prizes to the winners of the "No Tobacco Day" events.
The events were successfully coordinated by a dedicated organizing team. From the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Dr. D.K.S. Lakshminrusimhan (Reader) and Dr. J. Sowmiya (Senior Lecturer) led the efforts. From the Department of Public Health Dentistry, Dr. Saranyasri (Senior Lecturer), Dr. Shalini (Tutor), and Dr. Pradeepan (Tutor), along with a team of interns, were crucial in the planning and smooth execution of all activities.
We express our sincere gratitude to our Chairman, Kalvi Thandhai Dr. K.V. Kuppusamy, and our Beloved Principal cum Director, Dr. Vijay V.K., for granting us permission and extending their full support to conduct these events. Their encouragement and vision were instrumental in making the World No Tobacco Day 2025 program a grand success.
