Media Release

Mangaluru, May 31: The department of Public Health Dentistry, AJ Institute of Dental Sciences, in association with Mangaluru City Corporation and Indian Dental Association – Dakshina Kannada Branch organized a 'Cancer Awareness Programme' for Sanitation workers on the Occasion of World No Tobacco Day. The programme was organized at A J Institute of Dental Sciences on May 31.

Dr Vijaya Hegde, professor and head – department of Public Health Dentistry – A J Institute of Dental Sciences delivered the welcome address. Akshy Sridhar, Commissioner- Mangaluru City Corporation was the chief guest. He addressed the gathering and advised them about the ill effects of tobacco and motivated the Sanitation workers to be messengers of change and spread the anti-tobacco message. Prashanth Shetty, vice president – Laxmi Memorial Education Trust presided over the programme.

Dr K Nillan Shetty – principal, A J Institute of Dental Sciences addressed the audience. Dr Bharath Prabhu – secretary – IDA-DK branch was present.

The programme was initiated with a Mime show and musical with an anti-tobacco message performed by the students of A J Institute of Dental Sciences. A portrait expressing gratitude to the Sanitation workers was painted live by Satvik, Student of A J Institute of Dental Sciences. The painting was later handed over to Mangaluru City Corporation. A video on Ill Effects of Tobacco was played. A logo and poster addressing the theme of 'Tobacco – A threat to our environment' was released by the chief guest. The mime, video and posters on tobacco control will be used to create awareness among the public. The programme was followed by talk on 'Oral Cancer and Ill effects of Tobacco' by Dr Manjunath Rai – professor and head- department of Oral Surgery and Dr Pooja Shetty- Reader – department of Public Health Dentistry – AJ Institute of Dental Sciences.