The MSc 1st year students & faculty of the Department of Community Health Nursing, MCON, MAHE, Manipal, in collaboration with the Community Health Center (CHC), Brahmavara, and the National Service Scheme (NSS), S.M.S College, Brahmavara, observed World No Tobacco Day 2025 on 30.5.2025 for graduate students at St. Mary’s Seriyan College, Brahmavara. An awareness programme and poster display were conducted on the theme” Unmasking Appeal” to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use and to advocate for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption. The theme emphasizes how the tobacco industry manipulates marketing strategies to attract and retain users, particularly targeting vulnerable groups such as youth.

Dr Robert Rodrigues, Principal of SMS College, Brahmavara, addressed the gathering and spoke about the prevalence of cancer due to tobacco consumption and urged the students to stay away from tobacco and tobacco products. Dr Mahesh Aithal, Administrative Medical Officer, CHC Brahmavara, told the youth to be away from tobacco and the effects of active and passive smoking, the economic burden on the family and the country due to ill health caused by tobacco addiction. He also highlighted on Nicotine gum and counseling services available to come out from tobacco addiction in all the District hospitals. Ms Prathibha Lydia Braggs, Lecturer, Department of Mental Health Nursing, MCON, addressed that college students/adolescents are vulnerable to starting tobacco consumption due to peer influence and explained the various possible causes, effects on health, and its severity. Explained the ways to stay away from tobacco and tobacco products. A tobacco-free pledge was administered by Dr. Mahesh, encouraging participants to commit to a tobacco-free lifestyle.

Quiz was conducted at the end of the programme and the prizes were distributed to the winners.. Posters on the prevention of tobacco use among youth were displayed to reinforce key messages visually and attract audience attention by MSc 1st year students.

Dr. Ansuya, Associate Professor, Dept of Community Health Nursing, coordinated the program. The program contributed to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 4: Quality Education & SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.