Idukki: A flashmob to raise awareness on the harmful effects of tobacco use was held by the students of the Government Engineering College here recently. The campaign was held under the aegis of the National Service Scheme (NSS).
The awareness initiative, which aims to reduce the use of tobacco, was conducted as a part of the National Tobacco Control Programme. In India, tobacco consumption is responsible for half of all the cancers in men and a quarter of all cancers in women, in addition to being a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.
Anti-tobacco drive is one among the several initiatives undertaken by NSS volunteers.
NSS is aimed at developing student's personality through community service. It is a public service programme conducted by the Union ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. It provides the students an opportunity to understand the community; identify its needs and problems as well as the solutions in which they can be involved by assuming social and civic responsibilities.
The philosophy of the NSS is well-defined in its motto 'not me but you'. It tells the importance of selfless service and stresses that the welfare of a person is ultimately dependent on the welfare of the society on the whole.
NSS volunteers work to ensure that needy persons get help to increase their standard of living and lead a life of dignity. By doing so, volunteers learn from villagers how to lead a good life despite inadequate resources. They also provide help during natural and man-made disasters by giving food, clothes and first aid to disaster victims.