St Philomena College Observes ‘World No Tobacco Day’ with Awareness and Competitions
Puttur, 6 June 2025: St Philomena College (Autonomous), Puttur, in collaboration with the Postgraduate Department of Social Work and the Yaksha Kala Kendra, observed World No Tobacco Day with the theme “Unveiling the Reality of the Ill-Effects of Tobacco.” The event featured a range of awareness and educational programs aimed at sensitizing students to the harmful consequences of tobacco use and other narcotic substances.
Dr Naveen Chandra Kulal, District Surveillance Officer and District Tobacco Control Programme Officer, served as the chief resource person. In his detailed and insightful session, he discussed the physical, psychological, and societal impact of tobacco consumption. He also outlined the key legal frameworks in place to regulate and reduce tobacco usage.
Rev. Dr Antony Prakash Monteiro, Principal of the College, administered the World No Tobacco Day pledge to the student community and highlighted the deceptive pathways that lead to substance abuse. He urged students to remain vigilant and committed to leading a healthy lifestyle.
To engage students creatively in the anti-tobacco campaign, several competitions were organized. In the poster-making competition:
- Adhwaitha K. from II M.Sc. (Physics) won first prize,
- Ganyashree from I M.Sc. (Mathematics) secured second, and
- Lavanya K. M. from I M.Com. received the third prize.
All winners were honoured with certificates and awards.
The program also saw the presence of Dr Deepak Rai, Taluk Health Officer, and Mr Wilfred Rodrigues, Assistant Director, Taluk Panchayat, Puttur, as guests on the dais.
The session commenced with a prayer led by Pranamya and team.
Mr Prashanth Rai, Director of Yaksha Kala Kendra, delivered the welcome address, and Ms Pratibha K., from the PG Department of Social Work, proposed the vote of thanks.
