As part of World No Tobacco Day observations, a district-level inauguration, awareness campaign, and seminar were successfully organized at Holy Cross College, Kozhikode. The event was held under the joint auspices of the District Health Department, National Health Mission, NSS Calicut University Cell, and the Holy Cross College NSS Unit.
The program was officially inaugurated by Kozhikode Assistant Collector, Malavika G. Nair IAS. In her address, she emphasized that tobacco use impacts not only an individual’s health but severely disrupts families and societal progress. She urged the youth to take a definitive and strong stand against tobacco and other addictive substances.
The event featured prominent dignitaries and key educational sessions:
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Presidential Address: Dr. Sister Shiny George, Principal of Holy Cross College, presided over the function.
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Keynote Address: Dr. K.P. Rajesh, District Medical Officer, delivered the main address.
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Anti-Narcotics Pledge: Dr. C.K. Shaji, Arogya Keralam District Program Manager, administered the anti-narcotics pledge to the participants.
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Seminar Sessions: Dr. Tom Varghese, Psychiatrist at the Kozhikode Govt. Medical College, led the core educational seminar.
Felicitations and speeches were also delivered by Dr. Martin Bernard (Vice Principal), Lijo Joseph (NSS Program Officer), Ashwathi (National Tobacco Control Program Coordinator), Dr. Divya C., and Dr. Muhsin K.T. The event concluded successfully under the leadership of student representatives and coordinators, including Swathi V.M., Karthik Manoj, Ashwathiraj, Anirudh P., Asis, and Siyahul.
