The Department of Public Health Dentistry, Kalinga Institute of Dental Sciences (KIDS) in association with the National Service Scheme (NSS), KIIT and NOCPI conducted weeklong programmes from 24th – 31st May 2021 on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day. The programme included Kromophilia (painting competition), Koutes-Ni-Tobaca (quotes competition) and Kaleidogram (Instagram Reels/videos competition), and received more than 300 entries from all over India.
‘To-Bac-goo-the online quiz Saga’, another event under the programme, was divided into three rounds starting from 28th May. Over 100 participants took part in the first round, ‘Kqizz Past’, followed by semifinals, ‘Nico Fill’, on 29th May. Finals were conducted on 31st May in two rounds – ‘Smoky Mashup’ and ‘Cinegrill’.
A one-day webinar was organized on 31st May, on World No Tobacco Day, graced by Prof. (Dr.) Kajal Parashar, Deputy Director, KIIT Community Engagement Cell & Program Coordinator KIIT NSS Bureau, Dr. Balaji Manohar, Principal, KIDS and Dr. Avinash J. The speakers explained the steps in tobacco cessation and the role of public health dentists to help people quit tobacco
Dr. Purushottam Chavan, Associate Professor, Dept. of Head & Neck, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore enlightened the audience on the ill effects of Tobacco and its prevention. Md. Imran Ali, popularly known as the Anti Tobacco Warrior, educated the participants about the ill effects of Tobacco on the society. He discussed the barriers and constraints in the journey of making Odisha tobacco free and how the public health dentists as a community and team can eradicate the problem. Dr. Srikant Kanungo, Public Health Scientist, ICMR-RMRC, Bhubaneswar spoke on the topic, ‘Commit to Quit’. He gave brief ideas about how to implement tobacco cessation among the population. Over 100 participants attended the webinar.
The program ended with the announcement of winners of various competitions. The vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Gunjan and the valedictory function moderated by Dr. Kunal. Simultaneously, an online awareness program was conducted among the general public on the ill effects of tobacco consumption. A short motivational video about the journey of tobacco users and challenges faced to quit the habit was prepared. Oral health screening program was conducted for the undergraduates.
The KIIT NSS Bureau is indebted to Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Founder, KIIT & KISS for providing the platform to conduct such a program. The NSS Bureau expressed gratitude to Dr. Jugajyoti Pathi, Assistant Director (KIDS), Dr. Balaji Manohar, Principal (KIDS) and Dr. Dhirendra Kumar Singh, NSS Coordinator for extending support to the programme.