In a major push against substance abuse, the University of Kashmir, in collaboration with the Department of Public Health Dentistry, Government Dental College & Hospital (GDCH), Srinagar, and the University Health Centre, observed World No Tobacco Day yesterday. The event, aligned with the national Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, aimed to raise awareness about the devastating health impacts of tobacco and promote a tobacco-free society.
The programme commenced with an energetic Walkathon and Awareness Rally, flagged off by Kashmir University Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Neelofar Khan. Students, faculty, and healthcare professionals marched across the campus carrying placards to highlight the dangers of tobacco and substance abuse, signaling the university’s commitment to community well-being.
Following the rally, a series of technical sessions featured leading medical experts who dismantled the myths surrounding tobacco use. Dr. Naveed Nazir, Head of Chest Medicine and Pulmonology, delivered a grim lecture titled “Breaking the Habit: Harsh Realities of Tobacco,” detailing how tobacco causes chronic lung diseases, cancer, and premature death. Dr. Yasir Rather spoke on “Nicotine and the Brain,” explaining the neurobiological mechanisms of addiction and how nicotine alters brain chemistry to drive dependence. Additionally, Dr. Asif Yousuf and Dr. Asifa Ashraf mapped current consumption trends and warned against the rise of novel, emerging nicotine delivery products targeting youth.
A core theme of the seminar was actionable cessation. Dr. Aasim Farooq Shah, Head of Public Health Dentistry at GDCH Srinagar, spoke on “Behavioral Interventions in Tobacco Cessation,” emphasizing that quitting requires a multidisciplinary approach combining evidence-based behavioral counseling, motivational interviewing, and sustained community support.
A major highlight of the event was the promotion of the permanent Tobacco Cessation Centre located at the University Health Centre. Established in partnership with GDCH Srinagar, the facility provides free, professional counseling, behavioral therapy, and cessation guidance to students, staff, and the local community. The organizers highly commended Dr. Khalid Nazir, Coordinator of the University Health Centre, for his leadership and pivotal role in bridging the gap between academia and specialized healthcare institutions to make this campus initiative a reality.
The event concluded with an interactive Q&A session where participants engaged directly with medical experts, followed by a collective pledge to support the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and champion a healthier, tobacco-free future.
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