Media Release

Mangaluru, Feb 24: 'If we lose the battle against tobacco, we will lose the war against cancer'. Preparations for the Anti-Tobacco Day at Lourdes Central School (LCS) started a week prior and the students and teachers of class XII took the initiative for the same.

The commerce students under the guidance of their class teacher decorated the lobby notice board which gave a pictorial message advocating policies to reduce tobacco consumption and engaging stakeholders across multiple sectors in the fight for tobacco control.

A general assembly was conducted for all the students and staff at the school grounds to spread awareness on Anti-Tobacco Day protecting youth from industry manipulation and preventing them from tobacco and nicotine use. It began by saying the universal prayer along with a hymn. Apurva, a student of class XII read the thought for the day 'Cigarettes are killers, travelling in packs'. Shanthika educated all the Lourdites on the significance of the day. She began with a quote, 'A fire at one end, a fool at the other". She also stressed the subject as to why people smoke? And problems related to excessive use of tobacco created a lasting impact on the listeners.

The choir group along with the music teachers encouraged the gathering with a melodious song on the theme 'Say No To Tobacco'.

The principal of the school, Fr Robert D'Souza summarized his views and gave a meaningful message highlighting the importance of the day. Vice-principal, Belita Mascarenhas spoke on dipping and vaping and staying away from all addictions including alcoholism and usage of gutka. She concluded by saying, "Be the change you want others to be and not to be a slave of anything. Life is a gift given by God, let us live it well, let us live it healthily.