Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, June 1

The University of Kashmir (KU) on Monday organised a walkathon and lecture series to mark World No Tobacco Day as part of the ongoing ‘Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyaan,’ aiming to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use, officials said.

The event, organised by the University Health Centre in collaboration with the Department of Public Health Dentistry at Government Dental College and Hospital Srinagar, brought together students, faculty and health experts at the main campus.

Vice Chancellor Prof Nilofer Khan flagged off the walkathon, which began near the Department of Students’ Welfare and concluded at the Ibn-e-Khaldun Auditorium.

“Awareness remains one of the most effective tools in addressing tobacco use and substance abuse,” Prof Khan said, adding that educational institutions play a key role in encouraging healthier lifestyle choices among young people.

The programme included a lecture series by medical experts who highlighted the health risks of tobacco consumption, the psychological aspects of addiction, and the importance of prevention and early intervention.

Speakers included specialists from the Chest Disease Hospital Srinagar, the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences at Government Medical College Srinagar, and the Government Dental College Srinagar.

Officials said the event saw participation from students, faculty members and staff from both the university and affiliated institutions, as well as school students from the Kashmir University Model High School.