JMI commemorates World No Tobacco Day – 2025
TNN News : World No Tobacco Day is observed every year on 31st May to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use and to inspire individuals and communities to take action against it. The theme for 2025, “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products”, highlights the deceptive marketing strategies employed by the tobacco and nicotine industry and their impact on public health.
alignment with this year’s theme, the Faculty of Dentistry, Jamia Millia Islamia, organized a series of educational and awareness-based activities aimed at informing and empowering patients, students, and healthcare professionals. The initiative promoted a smoke-free environment through the display of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials (posters and pamphlets) and interactive events. All activities saw enthusiastic participation from patients, students, and staff.
The following activities were organized to commemorate the day.
- Educational Campaign (Display and distribution of IEC Material):
Informative banners and posters were strategically placed in the patient reception area to highlight the harmful effects of tobacco use. These visuals served as powerful reminders to patients and staff to abstain from tobacco consumption. Special emphasis was placed on the harmful effects of tobacco use and oral cancer. To complement the educational efforts, informative pamphlets were also distributed to the patients.
- Health Talk:
Interns delivered an engaging health talk addressing the dangers of chewing and smoking tobacco. The session covered: the pathophysiology of tobacco-related diseases, the psychosocial aspects of addiction, and current tobacco cessation strategies. Special emphasis was placed on behavioral interventions and policy-level measures to combat the influence of the tobacco industry. Patients were encouraged to abstain from this harmful practice. An open Q & A session was held to help them clarify their doubts and bridge knowledge gaps.
- Nukkad Natak (Play):
A dynamic street play was performed by students in the waiting area of the Faculty. The act focused on debunking the glamorization of tobacco use in media and advertisements. Through compelling storytelling, the play highlighted the long-term health risks of tobacco and effectively engaged the audience, especially adolescents and young adults.
- E-Poster Competition:
An E-Poster competition, held from May 15th to May 25th, for the interns to create digital posters themed “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products.” The competition encouraged digital advocacy, allowing participants to express their creativity while spreading awareness. Entries were judged by Prof. Nishat Sultan and Prof. Neelam Singh based on the basis of their creativity, informativeness, and clarity of message. Winners were announced on May 31st, 2025. The best E-posters were awarded, and all participants received certificates to acknowledge their contributions to spreading awareness.
- Pledge Ceremony for Anti-Tobacco Advocacy
To conclude the World No Tobacco Day celebration, a Pledge Ceremony was held for the patients, faculty members, and students to refrain from using tobacco products and to advocate for a tobacco-free environment. The pledge reinforced a shared commitment to building a healthier, tobacco-free society.
The Faculty of Dentistry remains committed to promoting tobacco awareness and prevention. Building on the success of this year’s celebrations, the faculty aims to expand the reach of future initiatives, reinforcing its role as a leader in anti-tobacco education within the community. The event was organized under the guidance of Prof. (Dr.) Keya Sircar, Dean, Faculty of Dentistry by Dr. Deepika Bablani Popli, Professor, Oral Pathology and Microbiology and Dr. Aditi Verma, Associate Professor, Public Health Dentistry.
