The Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology observed World No-Tobacco Day with a week-long series of awareness programs aimed at educating students and the public about the harmful effects of tobacco use. The theme for this year was “Unmasking the Appeal – Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction.”

As part of the observance, a workshop was conducted for students by Dr. Sujata Byahatti, Professor, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Maratha Mandal’s Nathajirao G. Halgekar Institute of Dental Sciences & Research Centre, Belagavi. The session highlighted the adverse effects of tobacco on individual and public health, emphasizing tobacco cessation, prevention of tobacco initiation among youth, and awareness of tobacco-related diseases. The interactive session encouraged students to adopt a tobacco-free lifestyle and actively spread awareness within the community.

Various competitions, including reel making, essay writing, slogan writing, and e-poster design, were organized to engage students and promote anti-tobacco awareness creatively.

To extend awareness efforts to the community, two outreach camps were conducted.

The first camp was held at P.C. Jabin Science College, Vidyanagar, Hubballi, on 21 May 2026, where 480 participants underwent oral health screening. During the program, Dr. Vijayalaxmi delivered a guest lecture on “Tobacco and Its Ill Effects,” highlighting the health risks associated with tobacco consumption and the importance of cessation. This was followed by the administration of the Anti-Tobacco Oath by Dr. Veena Pujari, Associate Professor, encouraging participants to commit to a tobacco-free lifestyle. An oral screening program was conducted by Dr. Kirty Nandimath, Professor and Head of the Department, along with faculty members and postgraduate students, to promote early detection and awareness of oral conditions related to tobacco use.

The second camp was organized at the Vibhageya Karyagraha of KSRTC, Gokul Road, Hubballi, where 100 participants were screened. The program included a guest lecture by Dr. Vijayalaxmi on the harmful effects of tobacco, followed by the administration of the Anti-Tobacco Oath by Dr. Shantala Arunkumar. An oral screening program and awareness session were conducted by Dr. Kirty Nandimath, along with faculty members and postgraduate students, emphasizing the importance of oral health and tobacco cessation.

Through these activities, the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology successfully created awareness among students and the public, reinforcing the message of a healthier, tobacco-free society.