CHANDIGARH,31.05.2024-The National Resource Centre for Oral Healthcare of Children and Elderly, which functions under the National Oral Health Program at the Oral Health Sciences Centre, PGIMER, Chandigarh commemorated World No Tobacco Day on May 31, 2024 in partnership with IDA, Chandigarh and International College of Dentists, Section VI. A public event was organised at the Public Health Dispensary in Sector-25, Chandigarh with the aim of raising awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and promoting a healthy, tobacco-free lifestyle within the community. This effort aligns with this year's theme, ‘Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference.

’This event was attended by more than 150 individuals from local communities as well as Participants from the Doriya Foundation NGO, whoengaged the audience with a variety of activities, including a street play, skit, poem recitation, and brief awareness messages, sloganeering etc. A pledge to quit tobacco was taken by all participants, symbolizing a collective commitment to a tobacco-free future.

The success of the program is attributed to the dedication and collaborative efforts of team PGI, working under the able leadership of Prof. Ashima Goyal. Dr. Arpit Gupta, Associate Prof, OHSC told that it is expected that awareness programmes like this will go a long way in enhancing knowledge and understanding among children and safeguard them against falling prey to the tobacco menace.