In commemoration of World No Tobacco Day, the J&K Legal Services Authority (LSA), in collaboration with Crescent Public School, Bilaliya Educational Institute, Nageen Lake Conservation Organization, Kashmir Concern, Agri Industries Vikaas Chamber, and District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Srinagar, hosted an impactful awareness programme at the main auditorium of Crescent Public School, Naseem Bagh, Srinagar. The event drew dignitaries, educators, students, and volunteers, all united in the fight against tobacco use.
Justice Tashi Rabstan, Senior Judge of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, and Executive Chairman of the J&K LSA, served as the chief guest. He emphasized the crucial role of both legal and educational bodies in combating the growing menace of tobacco, especially among the youth.
Amit Kumar Gupta, Member Secretary of the J&K Legal Services Authority, contributed virtually to the event, showcasing his commitment to raising awareness about the dangers of tobacco.
In his inaugural address, Justice Tashi highlighted the necessity of educating the younger generation about the adverse effects of tobacco. He underscored the pivotal role parents and teachers play in this mission, noting that “tobacco is the first step towards substance abuse.” Justice Tashi called for concerted efforts from educationists to achieve a tobacco-free society.
The event featured a painting competition themed “Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference,” which saw enthusiastic participation from students. Additionally, a student-led rally was flagged off by Justice Tashi, amplifying their collective voice against tobacco use.
Presentations by Dr. Tawseef Ahmad, Chairman of Kashmir Concern, Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo, Chairman of Bilaliya Educational Institute, and Advocate Syed Mujtaba, Child Rights Activist, highlighted the severe health consequences and societal impacts of tobacco consumption. They reinforced the critical importance of preventive education. Dynamic performances by students from Crescent Public School and Bilaliya Educational Institute, including skits and presentations, creatively showcased the ill effects of smoking and tobacco use. These performances were both educational and impactful, leaving a lasting impression on peers and the broader community. Notable participants included Jahangir Ahmad Bakshi, Secretary of DLSA, Srinagar; Yasmeen Jan, Secretary to Justice Tashi Rabstan; Muzamil Hayat Kabli, Under Secretary of J&K LSA; Shakeel Ahmad Dar, Chairman of Crescent Public School; Manoj Gupta, Chairman of Agri Industries Vikaas Chamber; and Dr. Tariq Ahmad, Dean Academics of Crescent Public School, Srinagar. Faculty members, staff, para-legal volunteers from DLSA, Srinagar, volunteers from Kashmir Concern, and students from both schools also participated, reflecting a broad-based community commitment to the cause. The event concluded with a reaffirmed collective resolve to combat tobacco use and protect future generations from its harmful effects. The programme proceedings were conducted by Jahangir Ahmad Bakshi, Secretary of DLSA, Srinagar.
