Tobacco menace in public place

AZARA, (Guwahati), 19 August — The passive smoker in the public place is equally affected as the active smoker, say US researchers. In the study on the hazards of smoking in public place a report of the Surgeon General of the US Health Department and Human Services 2004 has come up with an alarming data which says “smoking causes an estimated 90% of all lung cancer deaths in men and 80% of all lung cancer deaths in women.The Indian Tobacco Control Act 2003 (Section 4) prohibits (penalizes) public consumption of tobacco products.

“It is a habit that we cannot quit,it makes me feel relaxed when I am stress” say group of students who were smoking at the nearby shop selling tobacco at the university gate.

The community people are of the opinion that “the tobacco act regulation must be strictly implemented.” Others are of the view that “in between their working hours consumption of tobacco is like a refreshment for us “

Around 14% of Indian adults smoke cigarette and beedis (hand-rolled cigarettes), but nearly 26% use smokeless tobacco including chewing tobacco, according to the Government of India and World Health Organisation Global Adult Tobacco Survey of 2009.

Children are as young as 12 when first exposed to gutkha and pan masala …not knowing that tobacco consumption causes lung, throat and mouth cancer. Though a large population of Indian suffered from these diseases but the Government  did not take serious action to ban the tobacco producing company. As a result we see different type of tobacco products coming out day by day at a very cheaper rate in which everybody can afford to buy them.

Graduates give free tuition to IX & X students

AZARA, (Guwahati), 19 August — A group of university students spend time to teach younger brothers and sisters of class 9 and 10 from the neighbourhood. The one hour evening tuition class project is called Swastyayan…a commitment’ (meaning a noble service preformed for fighting out evils).

While Engineering students and teachers of Don Bosco College of Engineering and Technology teach Maths and Science, both students and teacher of Master in Computer Application and Don Bosco Institute of Social Sciences take subjects like Social Studies and English as well as spoken English and personality development.

“A little help given in their studies will help them perform better in school and obtain better results and ensure a better future”, said Mr. Victor Narzary Professor of Department of Social Work.

Head of the Department Dr Riju Sharma explains the concept saying, “The Assam Don Bosco University feels that it is our responsibility to reach out to those students who are less privileged and in dire need of educational assistance. With different programmes like soft skills training, coaching class and personality development it will enable the students to go out to their community and get involve more effectively with people around them.”

“I like the tuition classes because it is free of cost and we are able to learn our lessons through different activities,” says 14 year old class X student Sanjeev Das winner of the singing competition.

“Unlike other tuition centres, here we are able to learn and show our talent and gain confidence out of it,” says class X student Mousmi Das who was the topper at dancing talent contest.

“It was a good experience, I’m very much happy that I could be a part and help someone by contributing my knowledge to the students,” says B.Tech student Mr. Suraj Kumar who is an active volunteer.