On the eve of ‘World No Tobacco Day-2025,’ the State Tobacco Control Cell (STCC), Directorate of Health Services Kashmir organized a Walkathon in collaboration with stakeholders from the Education Department, with active support from the Jammu & Kashmir Police arinagarnd District Administration Srinagar.
Despite incessant rains, the event witnessed enthusiastic participation of more than 300 individuals, including students, teachers, healthcare professionals, officers, volunteers, and members of the civil society.
The walkathon commenced from Lalit Ghat and concluded at Nehru Park, Srinagar, symbolizing a collective resolve against tobacco use.
The walkathon was flagged off by Dr Jehangir Bakshi, Director Health Services Kashmir where other officials including Dr Jehanzaib Tanki (Deputy Director Dentistry) Nodal Officer NTCP Kashmir, Deputy Director Headquarters, Chief Accounts officer, Deputy Director Schemes, Medical Superintendent JLNM Hospital, Assistant Directors DHSK, State Surveillance Officer Kashmir and Chief Medical Officer Srinagar, were also present.
Addressing the participants, Director Health emphasized the importance of building a tobacco-free society and urged individuals from all walks of life to avoid smoking for a healthier life. He highlighted the pressing need to protect the youth from the tobacco industry's evolving strategies, especially tactics including the use of flavors, attractive packaging, and marketing strategies that mimic sweets or use cartoon characters to entice youth.
He emphasized the role of youth, health professionals and community leaders in advocating for a healthier, smoke-free future.
The walkathon was part of a broader awareness campaign aligned with the World Health Organization (WHO) theme for World No Tobacco Day 2025, ‘Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products.’