Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (CLP)

Mangaluru, Dec 19: In a laudable initiative, as part of the 'Tobacco-free Mangalore' campaign, the alumni (class X '94) of St Aloysius High School organized 'Save A Cigarette!' social awareness programme recently at St Aloysius High School auditorium.

The programme was inaugurated by U T Khadar, minister for health and family welfare, in the presence of MLC Ivan D'Souza and SP Dr Sharanappa.

As part of 'Save A Cigarette!' awareness programme, a poster competition on the topic 'Tobacco-free Mangaluru' was also organized. The first prize was bagged by Dhanush S, the second prize went to Amin Yash and the third prize was won by Sarwin Deon. The first, second and third place winners were given cash prizes of Rs 5,000, Rs 2500 Rs 1500 respectively.

The highlight of the presentation was the talk on 'Cancer prevention and tobacco connection', by Dr Vishal Rao, consultant oncologist – head and neck surgeon, Fortis Hospital, Bengaluru (alumni, Std X 1993-94). The talk was attended by over 750 students from 8th, 9th and 10th standards.

Durgayya, a cancer patient who is recovering after surgery also shared his experience about the impact of tobacco on his health and motivated the students to keep away from tobacco.

An interaction session was also organized, wherein the students gave suggestion on controlling consumption of tobacco in Mangaluru.

Dr Vishal speaking to daijiworld after the interaction session said, "We are holding awareness programmes across the state. We feel happy to come back to our school as we owe much to the teachers and to the institution. This institution stands on the pillars of St Ignatius of Loyola, who dedicated his life to service of mankind. As a cancer surgeon I have seen how the tobacco can damage the health. We came here to make a small impact on the students, to change their habits so that they can have a better future."

Fr Denzil Lobo, rector, St Aloysius College, headmaster St Aloysius school Fr Edward Rodriguez and others were present.