Srinagar, May 31: Commemorating the World No Tobacco Day, awareness was organised at Crescent Public School, Naseem Bagh, Srinagar which witnessed the participation of various dignitaries, educators, students and volunteers.
The event was organised by J&K Legal Services Authority in collaboration with Crescent Public School, Naseem Bagh, Srinagar, Nigeen Lake Conservation organisation, Bilaliya Educational Institute, Srinagar, Kashmir Concern, Agri Industries Vikaas Chamber and District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Srinagar
Justice Tashi Rabstan, Senior most Judge High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and Executive Chairman, J&K Legal Services Authority, was the chief guest on the occasion. He underscored the importance of today’s event held collectively by the legal and educational bodies, who joined hands in intensifying the fight against the growing menace of tobacco use particularly among the young generation.
Amit Kumar Gupta, Member Secretary J&K Legal Services Authority, also played a key role in organizing this event who joined virtually displaying his resolve in raising his voice against this menace.
In his inaugural address, Justice Tashi highlighted the need to raise awareness among the younger generation about the ill effects of tobacco and tobacco products. He emphasized the role of parents and teachers in this endeavour, noting that “tobacco is the first step towards substance abuse” and stressed the importance of keeping students away from such harmful practices. He further stated that in order to achieve a tobacco-free society concerted efforts by educationists is need of the hour.
Adding to the day’s activities, a painting competition on the theme “Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference” saw enthusiastic participation of students, highlighting their creativity and commitment to the cause. Additionally, a rally led by students, was flagged off by Justice Tashi, resonating through the area, amplifying their collective voice against tobacco consumption.
The event featured presentations by Dr. Tawseef Ahmad, Chairman Kashmir Concern, Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo, Chairman, Bilaliya Educational Institute and Advocate Syed Mujtaba, Child Rights Activist, who shed light on the severe health consequences and societal impact of tobacco consumption, reinforcing the message that preventive education is critical.
“It was our honour to host Justice Tashi Rabstan, Judge of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh and Executive Chairman of the J&K Legal Services Authority, as our esteemed chief guest. The key message of the event was that charity begins at home, and all present resolved to make our homes and offices tobacco-free. I personally pledged to ensure that my hotel premises are smoke-free,” Wangnoo vowed. The students also pledged to resist the interference of the tobacco industry.
On the occasion, Wangnoo was awarded a memento for his social service towards the environment and social causes. He expressed his gratitude to the chief guest for presenting the memento and thanked Crescent School for this gesture.
Wangnoo expressed special gratitude to Justice Rabstan for announcing the establishment of two legal aid clinics at Crescent Public School and Bilaliya Educational Institute to provide legal awareness to students, faculty, schools, and the community. “Together, let’s continue to promote a tobacco-free future,” Wangnoo said.
The event also featured dynamic performances by students from Crescent Public School and Bilaliya Educational Institute, who creatively showcased the ill effects of smoking and tobacco use through engaging skit and presentations. These performances were not only educational but also left a lasting impression on their peers and the wider community.
The programme witnessed active participation of Jahangir Ahmad Bakshi, Secretary DLSA, Srinagar, Yasmeen Jan, Secretary to Justice Tashi Rabstan, Muzamil Hayat Kabli, Under Secretary, J&K Legal Services Authority, Shakeel Ahmad Dar, Chairman Crescent Public School, Manoj Gupta, Chairman of Agri Industries Vikaas Chamber, Advocate Syed Mujtaba, Child Rights Activists and Dr Tariq Ahmad Dean Academics Crescent Public School, Srinagar. The faculty members, staff, para-legal volunteers of DLSA, Srinagar, volunteers of Kashmir Concern, and students from Crescent Public School and Bilaliya Educational Institute were also present, reflecting a broad-based community commitment towards the cause.
As the programme concluded, it left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all participants, reaffirming their collective resolve to fight tobacco use and protect future generations from its harmful effects. The programme proceedings were conducted by Jahangir Ahmad Bakshi, Secretary, DLSA, Srinagar.