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Tobacco Cessation Workshop At Central University of Punjab
Bathinda: The Central University of Punjab on Thursday hosted a Tobacco Cessation Training Workshop, organised by the District Health Department, Bathinda, with the participation of over 100 students, educationists, and health and wellness educators.
The programme was conducted under the patronage of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari as part of the ongoing national and state campaigns — Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 3.0, Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, Youth Nashiyan Virudh and Nasha Mukt Rangla Punjab — aimed at promoting drug-free and healthy lifestyles among the youth.
Dr Tapinderjot Kaushal, Civil Surgeon, Bathinda, attended the event as the Chief Guest. At the same time, Dr Usha Goyal, District Health Officer and District Nodal Officer, COTPA, Bathinda, was the Guest of Honour.
Youth Must Be Shielded from Rising Addiction
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Dr Tapinderjot Kaushal stressed the urgent need to protect the youth from the rising menace of tobacco and drug addiction. She highlighted the severe psychological, physical and social consequences of substance abuse and called for collective action by educational institutions, families and health authorities to protect future generations.
She also administered a “Say No to Drugs” pledge to all participants, urging them to take active leadership in spreading awareness within their peer groups and communities.
Emphasis on Tobacco-Free Campuses
Guest of Honour Dr Usha Goyal elaborated on the legal provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) and underlined the need for strict enforcement to ensure smoke-free and tobacco-free public spaces. She encouraged students and faculty members to actively extend awareness across campuses and neighbourhoods, strengthening student-led anti-drug movements.
In his Presidential Address, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari highlighted the pivotal role universities play in shaping responsible, healthy and socially conscious citizens. He urged students to become ambassadors of a drug-free society and reaffirmed the University’s commitment to supporting all initiatives that promote physical, mental, and social well-being.
Institutional Participation
The training sessions were conducted by the District Health Department team, including
Adv. Gagandeep Kaur (Divisional Coordinator, Generation Saviour Association), Adv. Gurpreet Singh (Project Manager, Generation Saviour Association), Rohit Jindal (Deputy Mass Media Officer), Sahil Puri (Block Extension Educator), along with Health Supervisors, MPHWs (Male & Female), ASHA Workers, Anganwadi Workers, and other Health Department staff.
The workshop also provided detailed insights into the various forms of tobacco use and their long-term health impacts, along with practical methods for community-level intervention.
The seminar began with a welcome address by Prof. Sanjeev Thakur, Dean of Student Welfare, who said that student welfare lies at the heart of CU Punjab’s mission, and that the university remains committed to working closely with government departments and civil society organisations to build a drug-free campus.
On the dais were also Prof. Monisha Dhiman, Director IQAC, and Prof. Deepak Chauhan, Dean, School of Legal Studies. Students and faculty members participated enthusiastically throughout the programme. The workshop concluded with interactive discussions, demonstration-based learning and structured awareness modules, equipping participants with the knowledge, confidence and motivation to resist substance abuse and promote a culture of healthy living.
