Srinagar : The University of Kashmir organized a walkathon and lecture series on World No Tobacco Day as part of the NashaMukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyaan. The initiative, led by the University Health Centre in collaboration with the Department of Public Health Dentistry from the Government Dental College & Hospital Srinagar, aimed to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and promote healthy lifestyle choices among students and the broader community.
The event was inaugurated by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nilofer Khan, alongside other university officials. The walkathon began at the Department of Students’ Welfare and concluded at the Ibn-e-Khaldun Auditorium. Prof. Khan emphasized the importance of awareness in combating tobacco and substance abuse, highlighting the role of educational institutions in fostering informed choices and healthier lifestyles among youth. She called for collective efforts from educational bodies, healthcare professionals, and the community to create a healthier, addiction-free society. The program included a series of lectures by experts in the field, including Dr. Naveed Nazir from the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Dr. Yasir Rather from the Department of Psychiatry, and Dr. Aasim Farooq from the Department of Public Health Dentistry. They discussed the health risks of tobacco consumption, the psychological aspects of addiction, and the significance of prevention and early intervention strategies. The event saw active participation from students, faculty, and staff from both the university and the Government Dental College, as well as students from the Kashmir University Model High School, and was coordinated by Medical Officers Dr. Surayyah Jan and Dr. Azhar Wani.
