SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Tamil Nadu, marked World No Tobacco Day 2025 with a series of impactful events organised by the Department of Community Medicine focusing on the theme “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products”. The observance was held to sensitise various segments of society, including community youth, students, non-teaching and housekeeping staff, and college bus drivers, about the harmful effects of tobacco and the deceptive tactics of the tobacco industry.
The celebrations were inaugurated with awareness programmes for the youth of Kalivanthapattu village (Kattankulathur block), where PG students conducted health talks and quizzes. Winners were later felicitated during the main event, receiving the title of “Role Models” for their commitment to a tobacco-free lifestyle.
In the days leading up to the main event, a special awareness programme was held on 30th May 2025, where over 60 bus drivers from the college participated in sessions led by PG students from the Department of Community Medicine. The programme concluded with an oath-taking ceremony to abstain from tobacco use, administered by Dr. P. Kaveri, Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine.
Other activities included:
● A skit performance by CRMI students (2020 batch), staged both on 30th May for bus drivers and during the main event on 31st May, dramatising the dangers of tobacco smoking.
● A tableau dance by Dr. A. Karunya, PG student from the Department of Community Medicine, highlighting the addictive nature of tobacco.
● A debate on the topic “Who is Responsible for Tobacco Control – Politicians & Manufacturers or Consumers?” involving PG students from various departments.
● Slogan and essay writing competitions for medical students.
● A video screening showcasing the wide-ranging health impacts of tobacco.
● Oath-taking ceremonies involving village youth, students, and staff.
The main event was held on 31st May 2025 in the college lecture hall and saw the participation of over 200 attendees, including students, faculty, housekeeping staff, and villagers.
The event was graced by the following dignitaries:
● Dr. Nitin M. Nagarkar, Pro Vice Chancellor (MHS) & Dean-Medical, SRMMCHRC
● Dr. R. Venkatraman, Medical Superintendent, SRMMCHRC
● Dr. M. Logaraj, Professor & Associate Dean (Quality Assurance), SRMMCHRC
● Dr. J. S. Kumar – Associate Dean (PG Academics), SRMMCHRC
● Dr. V. Sathya Narayanan – Associate Dean (Student Affairs), SRMMCHRC
● Dr. V. V. Anantharaman – Professor & Head, Department of Community Medicine, SRMMCHRC
In his address, Dr. Nitin M. Nagarkar emphasised the serious health and social consequences of tobacco use, drawing on his decades of experience as a head and neck surgeon. He urged the medical fraternity to intensify efforts in tobacco awareness, particularly among the youth.
Dr. M. Logaraj highlighted the historical delay in policy action despite early evidence of tobacco’s harms, and he stressed the need for continuous engagement with young populations to dispel myths surrounding nicotine addiction.
Dr. R. Venkatraman encouraged healthcare professionals to take every opportunity to educate the public, noting the addictive nature of nicotine and its deep societal impact.
Dr. V. Sathya Narayanan called upon students to become change-makers, underlining the moral responsibility medical professionals hold in confronting the deceptive strategies of the tobacco industry.
Dr. J. S. Kumar spoke about the lesser-known consequences of tobacco use, such as male infertility, and shared a personal story of how his family exited the tobacco distribution business after understanding its devastating societal impact. He advocated for the establishment of de-addiction centres.
Prof. Dr. V. V. Anantharaman, Head of Community Medicine, reiterated the department’s mission of bridging the gap between the institution and the community. He thanked Dr. P. Kaveri for successfully planning and coordinating the extensive programme under tight deadlines and acknowledged Asst. Prof. Dr. R. G. Angelin for her energetic and effective compering.
The event concluded with participants taking a solemn oath to abstain from tobacco and to advocate for a tobacco-free society, reinforcing the message that collective action and awareness are key to defeating the tobacco epidemic.
