In a decisive move against the escalating crisis of
electronic cigarettes and vaping devices infiltrating the lives of students in
educational institutions, the Goa State Commission for Protection of Child
Rights, in collaboration with the Directorate of Education, Goa Dental College
and Hospital, and with support from the Rotary Club of Margao Midtown, spearheaded
an intensive sensitization program on November 28, 2023, at Mathany Saldanha
Administrative Complex, Margao.
Aimed at over 150 heads of schools and nodal teachers of
Prahari clubs across Salcette taluka, this event is not merely a program; it’s
a battle cry. It signifies a war against the insidious impact of e-cigarettes
on the physical and mental well-being of our students and the looming threat of
addiction, which poses a grave risk to the very essence of our educational
institutions.
Distinguished guests, including Peter F. Borges
(Chairperson, Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights), Smt. Sindhu
Prabhudessai (Deputy Director of Education), Rtn. Nilesh Loliencar (President,
Rotary Club of Margao Midtown), and Shri Rajendra Prabhudessai (Deputy
Superintendent of Police, South Goa), marked their presence at the inaugural
program, signaling a united front against the challenges posed by the rampant
use of e-cigarettes and vaping among students.
Chairperson Peter F. Borges stated unequivocally, “The
infiltration of electronic cigarettes into the lives of our students demands
our unwavering attention. In the face of this challenge, we must unite in our
commitment to safeguarding the health and future of our students.”
Led by eminent experts, Dr. Kashyap Bandodkar (BDS on Bond,
Dept of Oral Medicine, and Radiology) and Dr. Akshatha Gadiyar (Assistant
Professor, Dept of Public Health Dentistry), the sessions delivered a profound
understanding of the current scenario of e-cigarette and vaping usage among
students. Discussions delved into the health risks, covering both physical and
mental well-being. Educators were equipped with skills to recognize early signs
and intervene timely. Practical approaches and preventive measures for schools
were presented, emphasizing engagement with parents, communities, and
stakeholders.
This collaborative effort underscores the unwavering
commitment of the Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights to
safeguarding the well-being of students and fostering a healthy educational
environment. As the scourge of e-cigarettes and vaping continues to impact our students,
initiatives like these play a pivotal role in raising awareness and empowering
educational leaders to effectively combat this growing public health concern.
