Press Release

Dogra Group of Colleges in collaboration with NCC Unit observed “World No Tobacco Day” on the theme “Drugs Destroy Life” in which NCC cadets and ANOs from Dogra Law College, Dogra Degree College, Central University, Jammu, GDC, Samba, Government Hr. Sec. School, Vijaypur etc. of 4 J&K Battalion and from GCW, Parade of 2 J&K Battalion took active part. The purpose of this event was to create awareness about the risks associated with the use of tobacco and to protect the health of smokers.

This day is marked every year on May 31. The World Health Organization (WHO) promotes the campaign to enlighten the health risks associated with the use of tobacco and to encourage governments to draw up policies to help people reduce smoking and usage of other tobacco products. Every year, WHO proposes a theme to raise awareness of the negative health, social, economic and environmental impacts of tobacco production and use. This year’s theme is “Tobacco: Threat to Our Environment”.

The event started with the lighting of the lamp by all the dignitaries and evoking the blessings of almighty. This was followed by handing over of saplings to the dignitaries as a token of gesture. Mrs. Bela Thakur, Principal, Dogra Degree College,in her welcome address, emphasized on the health risks associated with the drug use and the life-threatening diseases it may cause. She further stressed about the impact it might have on young minds and how NCC cadets could help in enlightening general public about the severe impact of drug abuse. This was followed by a poem recitation by Akshita Mangotra, B. Com. final year student, signifying the ill-effects of smoking.

Dr. Vinod Dhar, Programme Officer, Mental Health, GMC, Jammu was the Resource Person. He shared his views about the substance use disorder, which causes several changes in the mental and physical health by impacting the brain of an individual. He emphasized upon how cigarettes activate the gateway of reward circuit by stimulating dopamine release, thereby driving an individual towards pleasure or happiness. He mentioned that drug use affects every body part of an individual and in extreme circumstances has become a very important factor leading to chronic suicide as the dependability of an individual on a drug is something which is not easily reversible. Dr. Dhar concluded that awareness sessions are beneficial so as to aware the individuals about the consequences of drug consumption as the final decision to consume drugs would be an individual choice.

Ms. Ruchi Sassan, Counselor and Psychology Social Worker at Mental Health, in a nutshell, emphasized upon the mental changes which formulate during adolescence. She highlighted that these changes are a very slow process and have various underlying effects which causes changes in behavioral patterns. Dr. Sassan very nicely simplified the critical developmental stages in a person’s life to affect addiction.

Kr. Samar Dev Singh Charak, Secretary, Dogra Educational Trust, embarked upon the exemplary conduct of NCC Cadets who by way of understanding the impact on tobacco, could further spread awareness among the general public. He stressed upon “youth” being the primary resource of a nation and how drug abuse could impact this very segment of the society. He explained that having a counter approach against falling prey to drug abuse could help in making drug abuse an obsolete practice. He reminisced the vision and mission of Thakur Gulchain Singh Charak, Former Minister and Chairman of Dogra Educational Trust and how he has always focused upon education as an important factor which could help in overcoming this unethical practice.

The event was managed by Ms. Aditi Khajuria, Lecturer in English, DDC. Students who had participated in slogan writing and poster writing competition in furtherance of the observation of today’s event were also felicitated by the dignitaries.

A memento was presented to Dr. Vinod Dhar, Programme Officer, Mental Health, GMC, Jammu by Kr. Samar Dev Singh Charak, Secretary, Dogra Educational Trust. This was followed by Vote of Thanks by Mr. Desh Bandu, CTO, NCC Unit, DLC. The event concluded with NCC song.

Prominent among those present were Dr. Darshana Sharma, Director, DGC and Campus Development, Dr. Komila Aggarwal, Principal In-charge, DLC and faculty members of DLC and DDC.

The event is a reminder for everyone that there is a dire need to increase the motivation to leave smoking behind. Stopping smoking is a win-win situation at all ages, always.