Tag: Goa Dental College

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Drug Awareness Programme Held at Goa Dental College, Bambolim

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

A drug awareness programme was conducted on 10 January 2025 at Goa Dental College, Bambolim, as part of the 30 Days Awareness Campaign coordinated by the District Legal Services Authority, North Goa, in association with the North Goa District Police. The programme was held between 11.15 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. with the aim of sensitising students to the growing menace of drug abuse and its far-reaching consequences.

Organised on the theme “Drug Abuse – Drug: A Menace to Society,” the session focused on creating awareness about the legal, social, and health-related implications of substance abuse. The programme brought together legal experts, law enforcement officials, and medical professionals to provide a comprehensive perspective on the issue. The dignitaries and guests were formally welcomed with potted plants as a gesture of goodwill and environmental consciousness.

Ms. Shantashri S. Sinai Kudchadkar, Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority, North Goa, addressed the gathering and emphasised the importance of legal awareness as a preventive tool in combating drug abuse. She highlighted how informed citizens, especially youth, can play a crucial role in building a safer and healthier society.

PSI Sahil Warang from the North Goa District Police delivered an in-depth session on the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, explaining its key provisions, enforcement mechanisms, and real-life case studies. His talk helped students understand the seriousness of drug-related offences and the legal consequences associated with them.

Dr. Gaurav spoke on the health aspects of drug abuse, shedding light on its impact on physical and mental well-being, addiction patterns, and the importance of prevention, early intervention, and seeking help. His session underlined the long-term risks of substance abuse and the value of making informed, healthy choices.

The programme was attended by around 50 participants, including approximately 40 dental students, along with faculty members and staff of Goa Dental College. The interactive session encouraged questions, discussions, and meaningful engagement from the students.

Overall, the programme successfully reinforced the collaborative efforts of the District Legal Services Authority, North Goa, and the North Goa District Police in spreading awareness and promoting the message of a drug-free society among the youth.

Films

7th Goa Anti-Tobacco Film Festival 2025: A Triumph in the Fight Against Tobacco

allycaralgoa

The Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) and the Department of Public Health Dentistry, Goa Dental College and Hospital, in collaboration with the National Tobacco Control Programme, Directorate of Health Services, Goa, successfully organized the “7th Goa Anti-Tobacco Film Festival 2025” on May 31, 2025. The event was held at Auditorium 1, Maquinez Palace, ESG, and was a resounding success in spreading awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use.

This year’s festival theme, “Unmasking the appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine,” aimed to expose the tactics used by the tobacco industry to lure people, especially the youth, into tobacco use. The theme was aptly chosen to highlight the growing concern of tobacco use among young people and the need to educate them about the dangers of tobacco.

The festival featured a competition for ad films in two sections: National and Goan. A total of 18 entries were received, with 8 from the National Section and 10 from the Goan Section. A panel of three esteemed judges, Dr. Nandita Nadkarni, Dr. Umesh S. Kamat, and Shri. Antonio Costa, carefully evaluated the entries and selected the winners.

The winners of the ad film competition were awarded cash prizes and certificates. The winners were:

National Section:

  • 1st Prize: “Lung Tawa Fry” by Akshay Volvoikar (Rs. 1,00,000)
  • 2nd Prize: “The Real Price” by Kartik Karekar (Rs. 50,000)
  • 3rd Prize: “Vashikrita” by Aarya Mayekar (Rs. 30,000)

Goan Section:

  • 1st Prize: “Naqaab” by Atharv Salgaonkar (Rs. 50,000)
  • 2nd Prize: “Toxic Relationship” by Timeline Creations (Rs. 30,000)
  • 3rd Prize: “Karmacho Parinaam” by Yogesh Shirodkar (Rs. 20,000)

Inspiring Speeches and Messages

The festival featured inspiring speeches from esteemed guests, including Chief Guest Shri. Subhash Phal Dessai, Hon’ble Minister for Social Welfare, River Navigation, Empowerment of Person with Disabilities, Archives and Archaeology, Govt. of Goa, and Guest of Honour Dr. Shekhar Salkar, Onco-Surgeon. Dr. Ridhima Gaonkar, Professor, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Goa Dental College, welcomed the gathering and briefed the purpose of the festival.

The festival concluded with a call to action, emphasizing the need for continuous efforts to fight against tobacco and its ill effects. The event was a huge success, and the organizers thanked the participants, audience, and sponsors for their support.

All the ad films were screened for the public, providing a platform for the audience to witness the creativity and talent of the filmmakers. The festival was a celebration of art, creativity, and awareness, and it is expected to inspire more people to join the fight against tobacco.