Srinagar September 17 (KNS): Government Dental College & Hospital, Srinagar, under its flagship community initiative “Bright Smiles, Healthy Lives”, organised a day-long awareness programme on 17th September, 2025, with the aim of promoting oral health, discouraging tobacco use, and sensitising the public towards preventive health care practices.
This program is part of 4 day long program which was inaugurated by Sakeena Masood Itoo , Minister for Health & Medical Education, School Education, Higher Education & Social Welfare Departments, on 15 September 2025 at Government Dental College & Hospital, Srinagar. The highlight of the programme was a mass awareness march, which began at the historic Clock Tower (Ghanta Ghar) in Lal Chowk and culminated near Ashok Stambh, Pratap Park. The event was graced by the presence of Ajaz Ahmed,(IAS) Senior Superintendent of Police (Traffic), Srinagar, as chief guest and Raja Zuhaib,(KPS) Superintendent of Police (East), Srinagar, as guest of honour The march witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, faculty, and staff of the college. The event was flagged off by SP East, Raja Zuhaib (KPS) who was the guest of honour at occasion from clock tower (Ganta Ghar). Holding placards, banners, and raising slogans, the participants carried forward powerful messages on oral hygiene, preventive dental care, and the harmful effects of tobacco.
The march drew wide public attention with its street play at the famous lal chowk area at Ganta ghar and as it moved through Srinagar’s busiest streets, creating a wave of awareness among passersby, commuters, and shopkeepers. At the famous Pratap Park, students of the institution staged a Nukkad Natak (street play) on oral health awareness and anti-tobacco sensitisation. The street performance highlighted the dangers of tobacco consumption, its direct link to oral cancers, and the need for adopting healthy practices for a disease-free life. The play drew a large gathering of citizens and generated an interactive atmosphere, with students creatively engaging the audience through dialogue, slogans, and real-life scenarios. This event came in line with the launch of new program inaugurated by Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi Under the banner of Swasth Nari Sakshat Parivar Abhiyan.
The event was graced by the presence of Mr. Ajaz Ahmed,(IAS) Senior Superintendent of Police (Traffic), Srinagar, as chief guest and Mr. Raja Zuhaib,(KPS) Superintendent of Police (East), Srinagar, as guest of honour who joined the event.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelBoth officers lauded the efforts of Government Dental College & Hospital for taking oral health awareness beyond classrooms and clinics into the public sphere. In their addresses, they highlighted the integral role of oral health in overall well-being, the dangers posed by tobacco, and the urgent need to empower youth with knowledge to lead healthier lives. Prominent faculty members of Government Dental College, Srinagar, were also present on the occasion, including:Dr. Mohammed Mushtaq, Head, Department of Orthodontics, Dr. Suhail Majid Jan, Head, Department of Periodontics, Dr. Asim Farooq Shah, Associates Professor & Head, Department of Public Health Dentistry. Other than these the Academic committee members of the college Dr syed Zameer Khurshid, Dr Shazana Nazir Qazi, Dr Ajaz Masoodi and Dr Namita kour were present during the program. They extended their guidance and expertise, emphasising that preventive strategies and community-based initiatives are key to reducing the burden of oral diseases in society. BDS students from Government Dental College Srinagar were the prime participants in the event. Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Dr. Aasim Farooq Shah noted that oral health is often neglected despite being closely linked to systemic health conditions. He reiterated the department’s commitment to continue outreach programmes across schools, public spaces, and community hubs.
The initiative, held under the banner “Bright Smiles, Healthy Lives”, coincided with the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, adding symbolic significance to the event. The vision of the campaign echoed the Prime Minister’s larger message of preventive healthcare, fitness, and a healthier India. The programme concluded with a collective pledge by students, faculty, and officers present to work towards a tobacco-free Srinagar and to ensure that the message of good oral health reaches every household. With the overwhelming participation of students, the support of faculty, and the encouragement of law enforcement authorities, the awareness drive proved to be a resounding success, blending the energies of youth, academia, and administration towards the noble goal of community well-being. Under the banner of “Bright Smiles, Healthy Lives”, a program shall be held tomorrow in continuation to today’s program at the premises of government dental college regarding medical waste disposal.(KNS)