Empowering Young Minds: My Experience Speaking at Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Vidyamandir on No Tobacco Day

 

Last May 31, 2023, I had the honor of being invited to Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Vidyamandir in Bangalore East to commemorate No Tobacco Day as a speaker. The event, organized with the aim of raising awareness about the dangers of tobacco use, was a remarkable opportunity to engage with young minds and inspire them to make healthy choices.

The day's program was thoughtfully designed to educate and empower students on the importance of saying no to tobacco. It commenced with engaging poster presentations by the students, creatively illustrating the harmful effects of tobacco on health. These visual aids served as powerful reminders of the impact of tobacco use on individuals and communities.

Following the poster presentations, we embarked on a short walk around the school premises, carrying banners and placards bearing messages advocating for a tobacco-free lifestyle. The energy and enthusiasm displayed by the students during this walk were truly inspiring, reflecting their commitment to spreading awareness and fostering positive change.

The highlight of the event was the interactive class sessions conducted to delve deeper into the topic of tobacco and its harmful effects. As a dental surgeon with a passion for preventive healthcare, I had the privilege of leading one of these sessions.

During my talk, I had the opportunity to engage with the students directly, sharing valuable insights and information about the detrimental effects of tobacco on oral health and overall well-being. From the damaging impact of smoking on gum health to the correlation between tobacco use and oral cancer, we explored various aspects of this pressing public health issue.

What struck me the most was the receptiveness and eagerness of the students to learn and absorb new information. Their thoughtful questions and active participation underscored their genuine interest in understanding the ramifications of tobacco consumption and making informed choices for their health.

One of the key messages I emphasized during my session was the importance of prevention and early intervention in combating the tobacco epidemic. By equipping young individuals with knowledge and awareness at an early age, we can empower them to resist peer pressure and make healthy lifestyle choices that will benefit them in the long run.

As the session drew to a close, I left Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Vidyamandir with a profound sense of gratitude and optimism. The experience of interacting with such bright and receptive young minds reaffirmed my belief in the power of education and community engagement in promoting public health initiatives.

 

In conclusion, my participation in the No Tobacco Day event at Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Vidyamandir was a deeply enriching and rewarding experience. It served as a reminder of the collective responsibility we share in safeguarding the health and well-being of future generations. Moving forward, I remain committed to continuing the dialogue on tobacco control and advocating for a tobacco-free world.