Srinagar :  J&K Voluntary Health Organization organized an anti tobacco campaign in collaboration with VHAI here saturday  for media persons. Minister for Animal, Sheep Husbandry, IT, Science and Technology, Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi who was the Chief Guest on the occasion said that there is need to be aware of the fatal effects of use of tobacco and one needs a strong will power to desist its use. The Minister said that the onus lies on the civil society to cooperate with the administration to fight the menace of tobacco use. He said that government has declared all public places in district Budgam as Tobacco Free and it is vital that this awareness drive is spread across other parts of the state and maximize people participation in the drive. He stressed that a healthy society is imperative for a developed and prosperous nation.   
The Minister lauded the district administration Budgam for successfully implementing the anti tobacco drive and making it a tobacco free zone and exhorted other districts to follow with same zeal.
The programme was also addressed by District Development Commissioner Budgam, Mohammad Rafi, Executive Director J&K Voluntary Health Association A.M.Mir and ADC Budgam Shah Faesal, and Binoy Mathew from VHAI.  Earlier, the medical experts Dr. Abdul Majid and Dr Bikram Singh Dutta, highlighted the ill effects of use of tobacco and an interactive session was also held during the camp in which doctors replied to the queries of the media persons.
The workshop witnessed a jam packed participation of media persons from print and electronic media. Later mementos were presented to the officers for their contribution in making the drive a success. Awards were given to Aga Ruhullah in his capacity as MLA Budgam, Deputy Commissioner Budgam Mohammed Rafi, Addl DDC Budgam, Shah Faesal, AK Wani, Sr. Programme Manager, Nazir Ahmed Deputy Commissioner Controller Drug & Food Control and Asst Controller and Food Inspectors of Budgam district.