St. Xavier's Higher Secondary School Pathaliaghat
St. Xavier’s Higher Secondary School, Pathaliaghat, organised an awareness programme on the Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign on 7 November 2026 in the school assembly hall. The programme was organised by Bishramganj Primary Health Centre (PHC) under the District Health and Family Welfare Society, Sepahijala, Tripura, with the objective of creating awareness among students and teachers about the harmful effects of tobacco consumption and encouraging a tobacco-free lifestyle. Around 700 students from Classes V to XII, along with teachers, attended the programme. Fr. Babu Stephen, Principal of the school, warmly welcomed the resource persons, Dr. Payel Rudra Paul and Mr. Girish Das from Bishramganj Government Hospital, and expressed his gratitude for their presence and contribution. During the awareness session, Dr. Payel Rudra Paul spoke in detail about the harmful effects of tobacco use on physical health, personal well-being and one's future. Citing several real-life examples of students and young people who had fallen victim to tobacco addiction and consequently ruined their lives, she highlighted the growing concern of tobacco consumption among the younger generation. She also presented relevant statistics to help students understand the seriousness and extent of the problem. She strongly urged everyone to stay away from tobacco and encouraged the students to become responsible ambassadors of a tobacco-free society, echoing the powerful message, “Say No to Tobacco.” The session was interactive and engaging, as students actively participated by raising questions, clarifying their doubts and seeking further information. Dr. Payel also conducted a general knowledge quiz, and students who answered correctly were rewarded with storybooks and sweets, making the programme both enjoyable and informative. The students and teachers listened with keen interest and attention throughout the session. The programme proved to be a highly informative and educative learning experience, sensitising the young minds to the dangers of tobacco addiction and the importance of making healthy choices in life. At the conclusion of the programme, Fr. Babu Stephen expressed his sincere gratitude to the team from Bishramganj Government Hospital and the District Health and Family Welfare Society for conducting the valuable session and spending their time with the students and staff. The programme ended with a united and enthusiastic pledge by all, raising the slogan: “SAY NO TO TOBACCO!”
