Chandigarh: Sahayta Charitable Welfare Society hosted an inter-school declamation contest in the auditorium of St. Stephen’s School, Sector 45, to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use.
The event was part of the society's broader awareness program titled "Tobacco-It’s harmful effects on humans and environment, We need food, not tobacco", which aimed to educate young people about the dangers of tobacco use and encourage them to make healthier choices.The inter-school declamation contest involved over 70 schools, with participants delivering speeches on the theme "No Tobacco".
The speeches covered a range of topics, including the health hazards of tobacco use, its negative impact on the environment, and the need to promote healthy living habits.
The event was presided over by Bindu Arora, DEO Chandigarh, who praised Sahayta's efforts to spread awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco and commended the participants for their insightful speeches.
The first prize went to Khayati Singla, Sri Guru Harkrishan Model School, Sec-38, Chandigarh and Seerat Jaitly, Saupin’s School, Sec-32, Chandigarh. The second prize went to Deepanshu Khandelwal, Shishu Niketan Model Sr. Sec. School, Sec-22, Chandigarh and Anusha Saha, Govt. Model Sr. Sec. School, Sec-21, Chandigarh. The third prize went to Surveen, Govt. Model Sr. Sec. School, Sec-35, Chandigarh and Tushti Galhotra, Govt. Model Sr. Sec. School, Sec-20, Chandigarh.
The consolation prize went to Ruchika, Institute for the Blind, Sec-26, Chandigarh and Shreya, Mount Carmel School, Sec-47, Chandigarh.A panel of six judges, including Mrs Sumit Kaur, Mrs Mahima Sahi, Mrs Preeti Mohan, Mrs Paramjeet Grewal, Dr Jasvinder Kaur, and Mrs Manpreet Suri, evaluated the speeches and selected six winners.
The awareness program comprised a series of interactive sessions and activities on the subject of tobacco use held throughout the months of April and May. The sessions were particularly conducted in government schools with the permission of DPI Schools, and focused on educating students about the harmful effects of tobacco use on both humans and the environment.
The sessions were facilitated by expert speakers and aimed to raise awareness about the risks associated with tobacco use, especially among young people who are at greater risk due to peer pressure.
The event was also accompanied by a poster competition for the students of St. Stephen’s School, with the auditorium adorned with the winning posters. The contest received an overwhelming response, with participants showcasing their creativity and artistic skills through their artwork.
Sahayta Charitable Welfare Society is a non-profit organization that works towards the betterment of society through various initiatives, including education, health, and social welfare.