Srinagar June 1: The University of Kashmir (KU) organised a walkathon and lecture series on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day under the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyaan at the Main Campus on Monday.

The event was organised by the University Health Centre in collaboration with the Department of Public Health Dentistry, Government Dental College & Hospital (GDCH) Srinagar. It aimed to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use and encourage healthy lifestyle choices among students and the wider community.
The walkathon was flagged off by Vice-Chancellor, KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan, in the presence of Prof. Naseer Iqbal, Registrar, KU, Prof. Pervez Ahmad, Dean, School of Earth & Environmental Sciences KU, Prof. Seema Singh, Dean Students Welfare KU, Dr. Khalid Nazir, Coordinator, Health Centre, KU and other University officials.
The walkathon commenced from the Department of Students’ Welfare near Maulana Rumi Gate and concluded at the Ibn-e-Khaldun Auditorium.
While flagging off the walkathon, Prof. Nilofer Khan said, “Awareness remains one of the most effective tools in addressing tobacco use and substance abuse. Educational institutions have an important role in encouraging informed choices and promoting healthier lifestyles among young people.”
She further said that collective efforts involving educational institutions, healthcare professionals, and the community are essential for building a healthier and addiction-free society.
The programme also featured lecture series by Dr. Naveed Nazir, Head, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Chest Disease Hospital Srinagar; Dr. Yasir Rather, Department of Psychiatry, IMHANS, GMC Srinagar; and Dr. Aasim Farooq, Head, Department of Public Health Dentistry, GDCH Srinagar. The experts spoke about the health risks associated with tobacco consumption, the psychological dimensions of addiction, and the importance of prevention and early intervention.
The event witnessed participation from several students, faculty members, and staff from the campus and the Government Dental College, Srinagar and students from Kashmir University Model High School. It was coordinated by Dr. Surayyah Jan and Dr. Azhar Wani, Medical Officers, University Health Centre.