Punjab Newsline, Bathinda-
The Central University of Punjab hosted a Tobacco Cessation Training Workshop, organized by the District Health Department, with participation from more than 100 attendees, including students, educationists, and health and wellness educators.
The programme was held under the patronage of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari and was conducted as part of Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 3.0, Nasha Mukt Bharat, Youth Nashiyan Virudh, and Nasha Mukt Rangla Punjab Campaign, aimed at promoting drug-free and healthy lifestyles among the youth. Dr. Tapinderjot Kaushal, Civil Surgeon, Bathinda, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Dr. Usha Goyal, District Health Officer and District Nodal Officer, COPTA, Bathinda, attended as the Guest of Honour.
Addressing the participants, Chief Guest Dr. Tapinderjot Kaushal emphasized the need to protect youth from the rising trend of tobacco and drug addiction. He highlighted the severe psychological and physical consequences of substance abuse and called for collective responsibility among educational institutions, families, and health authorities to safeguard young generations. She also administered a pledge to “Say No to Drugs” to all attendees.
The Guest of Honour, Dr. Usha Goyal, elaborated on the legal provisions under COTPA (Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act) and stressed the importance of strict enforcement to ensure smoke-free and tobacco-free public spaces. She motivated participants to extend awareness in campuses and communities to strengthen student-driven anti-drug campaigns.
In his Presidential Address, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari highlighted the significant role of universities in shaping responsible and healthy citizens. He urged students to become ambassadors of a drug-free society and reaffirmed that CU Punjab will continue to support programmes that promote physical, mental, and social well-being.
The training workshop was 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), Health Supervisors, MPHWs (Male & Female), ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers and other Health Department staff. The session also provided insights into various forms of tobacco use and their impacts.
The seminar commenced with a welcome address by Prof. Sanjeev Thakur, Dean Student Welfare (DSW). Expressing gratitude to the invited guests, he stated that student welfare remains at the core of CU Punjab’s mission and that the University is committed to collaborating with government departments and civil society organizations to help build a drug-free campus.
On this occasion, Prof. Monisha Dhiman, Director IQAC, and Prof. Deepak Chauhan, Dean School of Legal Studies, were also present on the dais. Students and faculty members enthusiastically participated in the workshop.
The programme concluded with interactive discussions, demonstration-based learning, and awareness modules, designed to equip participants with the knowledge, confidence, and motivation to resist substance abuse and promote a culture of healthy living.