Aqsa Afzal, Zaheer Abbass and Sufiya Rashid stand 1st, 2nd and 3rd in symposium
Bemina, May 18th: J&K Voluntary Health Association (JKVHA) in collaboration with Regional Red Cross Society Kashmir and Education Department organized a sensitization programme for students about hazards of cigarette smoking at Govt. High School Bemina today. In his inaugural address A.M.Mir (IAS Retd) Executive Director JKVHA highlighted the importance of role of student community in order to bring down the consumption of smoking to prevent people at large from its hazards.
Prof. Dr. Nusrat Andrabi Secretary Regional Red Cross Society Kashmir emphasized on students and staff of various schools assembled here that they should refrain from smoking, as it is injurious to their health. Shabir Lone from Drug and Food Control Organization gave a brief about the provisions of Tobacco Control Act (COTPA-2003) and responsibilities of Educational Institutions to implement it. An overview of the interventions of JKVHA in supporting the efforts of the State Govt. was highlighted by A.K.Wani. During the course of the event student speakers of various schools of the area shared their views.
1st three ranked speakers were awarded mementos by the Association. Aqsa Afzal from Safvi Memorial Institute Mirgund Stood first, Zaheer Abbass from HPS Bemina stood 2nd andSufiya Rashid from Shah-e-Hamdan School Bemina stood 3rd. Cash prizes were given for Skit performance and reciting of Qawali by students. The students took a pledge not to smoke. The function concluded with vote of thanks by the Principal of the school.
