World No Tobacco Day observed on 31th May at BGS Medical College and Hospital, Nagarur, Nelamangala
May 31, 2025, BGS Medical College and Hospital (BGSMCH) in Nagarur observed World No Tobacco Day under the theme “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing industry tactics on tobacco and tobacco related products”. The event aimed to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco and encourage individuals to choose a healthier, tobacco-free life. The observance was graced by the divine blessings of Paramapoojya Jagadguru Padmabhushana Puraskrutha Sri Sri Dr. Balagangadharanatha Mahaswamiji and the continued guidance of Paramapoojya Jagadguru Sri Sri Sri Dr. Nirmalanandanatha Mahaswamiji.
The event commenced with a warm welcome from Dr. Raghuram V, Professor & Head of the Department of Community Medicine. He highlighted the significance of World No Tobacco Day and emphasized the collective responsibility to combat tobacco use. The inauguration was marked by the traditional Lamp Lighting Ceremony, symbolizing the dispelling of ignorance and the illumination of knowledge and health. Dignitaries on stage participated in this ceremony, setting the tone for the day’s proceedings. A special brochure for World No Tobacco Day 2025 was released, collaboratively prepared by the Departments of Community Medicine and Psychiatry, and beautifully designed by the Digital Health and AI Centre at BGSMCH. The brochure aimed to educate the public about the dangers of tobacco use and the importance of cessation.
The gathering was addressed by esteemed dignitaries:
- Dr. K. S. Gangadhara, Principal and Dean, shared insights on the institution’s commitment to health education and tobacco control.
- Dr. V. R. Krishnamurthy, Chief of Hospital, emphasized the role of healthcare institutions in leading anti-tobacco initiatives.
A series of expert talks were presented:
- Dr. Venkatesh P, Professor, Department of Community Medicine, provided an overview of the functioning Tobacco Cessation Centre (TCC) and its role in supporting those seeking to quit tobacco.
- Dr. Nikhil N discussed the effects of tobacco on oral health, particularly its impact on teeth and the oral cavity.
- Dr. Pooja Raikar offered an insightful perspective on the psychiatric evaluation of tobacco and nicotine addiction.
- Dr. Pragathi Hebbar, DBT-Wellcome Trust India Alliance Fellow and Assistant Director of Research at IIPH Bengaluru, delivered an impactful session on Policy and Program Perspectives on Anti-Tobacco Activities.
The event recognized the bright minds who took part in the awareness competitions. These competitions were organised by Dr Mohammed Tanveer Ahmed, Associate Professor and Mr. A R Muralidharan Asisstant Professor and Dr Sindhu Shankar S, Assistant Professor from the Department of Community Medicine which took place in the span of three weeks consisting of Poster competition for BGS PU College students, Debate Competition involving MBBS students of BGS-MCH and Skit competition involving nursing students of BGS-VINS and physiotherapy students of BGS-BPT. Winners of these competitions were awarded prizes by the dignitaries on stage.
The event concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Chandani Ashok, Professor, Department of Community Medicine. She expressed gratitude to all participants, organizers, and dignitaries for their contributions to the success of the event.
Master of Ceremonies was done by Dr Sindhu Shankar S, Assistant Professor Department of Community Medicine.
