World No Tobacco Day 2025 at KIDS: Unmasking the Tobacco Industry’s Tricks!

On Jun 11, 2025

The fight against tobacco gained momentum as the Department of Public Health Dentistry at Kalinga Institute of Dental Sciences (KIDS), spearheaded a powerful 12-day campaign leading up to World No Tobacco Day 2025. Under the theme “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products,” the initiative aimed to raise awareness, inspire action, and expose deceptive practices of the tobacco industry.

Driven by the vision of Founder Prof. (Dr.) Achyuta Samanta and the leadership of Dr. Jugajyoti Pathi, Director, KIDS; and Prof. (Dr.) Aswini Kumar Kar, Principal, KIDS; the campaign saw enthusiastic participation from students, faculty, and volunteers.

A Multi-Pronged Approach to Awareness :

KIDS took its message to the streets, engaging citizens in busy marketplaces with placards and educational leaflets detailing the harmful effects of tobacco. Volunteers facilitated free oral cancer screenings, benefitting over 50 community members—with follow-ups planned for those in need of further medical attention.

World No Tobacco Day 2025 at KIDS: Unmasking the Tobacco Industry’s Tricks!

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The campaign also featured educational talks and testimonials, where real stories were shared to emphasize the importance of quitting tobacco and early detection of oral cancer.

Street Theatre & Expert Sessions :

One of the standout moments of the campaign was a Nukkad Natak performance near KIMS, where student actors vividly exposed tobacco industry manipulation, earning heartfelt applause from the audience.

Adding depth to the discussions, Dr. Girija Sankar Mishra, a leading advocate for tobacco control in Odisha, shared valuable insights, followed by an interactive quiz session that challenged and educated participants. Dr. Manish Taywade from AIIMS Bhubaneswar further fueled motivation, highlighting the role of smart public health policies in combating tobacco use.

Community Outreach & Grand Finale :

KIDS extended its efforts to JSW Township, hosting a Community Dental Camp where 96 individuals received oral health screenings and cessation counseling—empowering families and workers with knowledge and resources to quit tobacco.

The campaign culminated in a Grand Finale Rally, celebrating the dedication of volunteers and creative contributions to anti-tobacco advocacy, including e-poster and slogan contest winners.

With this dynamic and engaging series of events, KIDS reaffirmed its commitment to building a tobacco-free future, standing strong against industry deception, and promoting better health within the community.