Early Times Report
JAMMU, May 29: In observance of World No Tobacco Day, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu, in collaboration with the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, and under the aegis of the Directorate of Health Services, Jammu, organized an impactful awareness session at the Augustya Classroom, Jagti Campus. This initiative, held under the visionary leadership of Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, reflects the Institute's enduring commitment to public health, civic consciousness, and meaningful community engagement.
The session aimed to sensitize the academic community-students, faculty, and administrative staff-about the far-reaching health hazards of tobacco use, while reinforcing the ideals of a tobacco-free and wellness-oriented lifestyle. It forms an integral part of IIM Jammu's broader mission to foster socially responsible citizenship and contribute to national development through holistic education and health advocacy.
The event was graced by Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu who delivered a compelling address underscoring the moral and societal imperatives of tobacco cessation. He urged young minds to make informed and health-conscious decisions, cautioning against the subtle yet pervasive influences of social and media messaging. Leading a collective pledge against tobacco, Prof. Sahay emphasized that cultivating a tobacco-free campus is not merely a matter of policy enforcement, but a shared responsibility rooted in awareness, empathy, and ethical action. Reaffirming IIM Jammu's unwavering stance on health and wellness, he reiterated the Institute's proactive role in aligning institutional values with broader public health goals.
The session was chaired by Dr. Paras Khanna, Surgical Oncologist, AIIMS Jammu, who presented a detailed and compelling analysis of the epidemiology and severe health consequences of tobacco consumption. He highlighted the urgent need for greater public awareness, preventive health education, and early intervention strategies to mitigate long-term health risks associated with tobacco use.
Dr. Mridula Singh, Divisional Nodal Officer, National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), Directorate of Health Services, Jammu, provided a comprehensive overview of India's tobacco control laws and the Tobacco-Free Educational Institution (ToFEI) framework. She emphasized the vital role that academic institutions play in fostering safe, supportive, and tobacco-free environments, especially for young learners, and called for collective action to shape a more health-conscious generation.
The event witnessed active participation from faculty, officers, staff, and Ph.D. scholars of IIM Jammu, who took a collective pledge to contribute to a tobacco-free society and to raise awareness within their respective communities. On this occasion, badges and posters promoting awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco were distributed among the IIM Jammu community, reinforcing the message of a tobacco-free lifestyle and encouraging collective responsibility in building a healthier campus environment.
This session reaffirmed IIM Jammu's unwavering commitment to holistic development, community engagement, health advocacy, and the promotion of socially responsible behaviour. The institute continues to play an active role in advancing public health awareness through meaningful collaborations and outreach initiatives. |
