“Commit to Quit”:SRM University-AP celebrates World No Tobacco Day

World No Tobacco Day is observed annually on May 31 by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and global partners to raise awareness on the dangers associated with tobacco usage. Following the theme of this year-“Commit to Quit”, SRM University-AP has organised a seminar to spread awareness and urge university students, teachers, and other employees to take a digital pledge to be restrained from using tobacco. The welcome Adress will be given by Dr Lakshmi Rajyam, Medical Officer, SRM University-AP. Dr Lakshmi Kiran Talluri, Medical Officer, will explain the downsides of tobacco usage as the keynote speaker. He will further guide the viewers with the challenges and strategies associated with quitting tobacco.

The programme emphasises the health hazards associated with tobacco use and encourages individuals to adhere to government rules aimed at reducing smoking and other tobacco product use. According to WHO reports, around 8 million people die each year because of tobacco use. In 1987, the WHO declared May 31 as World No Tobacco Day to encourage people to abstain from tobacco use for at least 24 hours. The World Health Organization even prohibited advertisements promoting any tobacco product in 2008. Cigarette users, according to research, are more susceptible to Covid-19 infection due to the compromised lungs and respiratory organs caused by heavy cigarette usage.

SRM University-AP commits to encouraging its associates to raise awareness and spread information about the hazards and realities of tobacco usage on World No Tobacco Day under the slogan “Commit to quit.” Dr Lakshmi Kiran Talluri holds the prestigious position of resident medical officer at SRM University-AP, Andhra Pradesh. He is an experienced medical expert and would provide significant insights to session attendees. Dr Talluri would speak from an expert perspective on the numerous aspects associated with smoking and tobacco intake to educate individuals about previously unknown facts. Therefore, everyone is urged to attend the knowledge-based session on May 31, 2021, at 5:30 p.m.