Conferences/ Seminars/Programmes organized

On the occasion of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Center for Extension Services, Tobacco/Substance Control Committee, IQAC and Forensis Forum of Post Graduate Department of Criminology and Forensic Science, School of Social Work, Mangaluru in collaboration with State Tobacco Control Cell, Bengaluru organized a Webinar titled ‘Collective Responsibility of Higher Educational Institutions in Prevention of Substance Abuse' on 26th June 2021 at 2pm via Google meet platform.

The Resource Person for the webinar was Dr. Thomas Scaria, Director, Ecolink Institute of Well-being, Mangaluru, Global Trainer under the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crimes. He addressed the participants about the reasons for using substances by youth, relevant facts about the drugs, its use, abuse and addiction, laws pertaining to the substance abuse, harmful effects and long-term health impact of tobacco use, prevention of substance abuse, risks factors and protective factors towards a drug free college campus. A Tobacco-Free Roshni Nilaya Campus is a great step towards health and happiness of students and the employees, a step towards ‘Share Facts on Drugs, Save Lives’ he said.

The chief guest for the webinar was Dr. Kiran Kumar, Joint Director (Medical) cum Member Secretary, State Tobacco Control Cell, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Bengaluru. The Guest of Honour Dr. M. Selvarajan Deputy Director (Medical) cum State Program officer NTCP, Directorate of Health and Family Welfare Services, Bengaluru stressed on the role and responsibilities of higher educational institution towards a healthy and tobacco free environment and to provide more awareness about harmful effects and long-term health impact of tobacco use amongst the students, teachers, workers and officials in educational institution.

Dr. Rajani, Deputy Director, Mental Health Program was the guest of honour for the webinar and she expressed her concern about the healthy life of students especially in the higher educational Institutions. She spoke about the evils of tobacco on the minds of youngsters and advised them to stay away from tobacco or any kind of substance for their psychological well being.

Mr. Prabhakara, State Project Manager- Karnataka, International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union), New Delhi was the guest of honour for the webinar and had taken the initiative to jointly organize this event. He appreciated the venture taken by the institution to declare its campus as ‘A Tobacco/Substance Free’ and assured to train the youngsters for Community-based tobacco cessation program. He expressed that this initiative taken by the institution should go a long way by conducting various awareness programs and to strive towards making the surrounding cities and villages tobacco free.

Dr. Juliet C.J. Principal, School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya presided over the webinar and briefed about the collective responsibility of various departments to declare the college campus as tobacco/substance free. She stated that there are long term plans for the tobacco/substance cessation program for students, faculty and in the village community. Further, she unveiled the board symbolically to declare the college campus as ‘A Tobacco/Substance Free’ and all the participants took the pledge on this occasion.

The Guest of Honour Dr. Jenis Mary, Vice-Principal, School of Social Work, Mangaluru, Prof. Vineetha, Registrar Evaluation, Dr. Cecelia Goveas, IQAC Coordinator, Dr. Saritha D’Souza, Director, Centre for Extension Services and Program Coordinator, Head of the Post Graduate Department of Criminology and Forensic Science of the college, Deans and Coordinators of under graduate and post graduate program, Members of Management, Institute of Social Services, Members of Tobacco Control Committee, teaching and non-teaching faculty, underGraduate and Postgraduate students were present during this event.

Office bearers of Forensis Forum, Post Graduate Department of Criminology and Forensic Science of the college had taken the initiative to conduct this webinar successfully. Ms. Varsha Venkatesh, Student Convener and President of Forensis forum welcomed the gathering and delivered vote of thanks. Ms. Hitha, student of first year MSc Criminology and Forensic Science compered the event.