organized an impactful Legal Aid Clinic today, May 31, 2026.
Conducted under the aegis of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Shimla, in
collaboration with the Department of Law, Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), the initiative
aimed to educate and safeguard vulnerable youth by interacting directly with the students of a
local orphanage regarding the severe dangers of tobacco use and their legal rights.
Engaging Activities and Visual Models Drive the Message Home Moving away from conventional, dry lectures, the team employed an interactive and highly visual approach to connect with the children. Utilizing custom-made working models and
engaging educational activities, they effectively demonstrated how toxic chemicals from tobacco
smoke damage human organs over time.
The clinic unfolded through a structured series of events designed to maximize student participation:
Legal Awareness & Helpline Literacy: The team briefed the children on the Cigarettes
and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) and the legal restrictions surrounding the sale
of tobacco products near educational institutions. Crucially, students were taught about
national de-addiction and child welfare helplines, empowering them with actionable resources.
Signature Campaign: To foster a sense of personal responsibility, a massive signature drive was organized. Every student enthusiastically signed a pledge board, committing to stay tobacco-free and to discourage their peers from falling into substance abuse.
Open Discussion & Practical Q&A: A vibrant, open-loor discussion allowed the children
to speak freely about their observations and misconceptions regarding smoking and
chewing tobacco. This was followed by a competitive Question-and-Answer round, where
the children demonstrated an exceptional grasp of the health risks and legal points
discussed earlier
Hamper Distribution: To wrap up the day on a bright note, the organizing team
distributed specially curated gift hampers among the orphanage residents, celebrating
their active involvement and commitment to a healthier lifestyle.
Empowering the Next Generation
Speaking on the outcome of the event, the organizing team expressed their deep gratitude to Dr. Shasha Kanwar, whose constant encouragement and invaluable direction made the smooth execution of this campaign possible. They highlighted that children in care institutions often lack direct access to critical public health and legal guidance. By bringing the clinic directly to the orphanage, DLSA Shimla and HPU have taken a vital step toward breaking the cycle of tobacco addiction before it can take root in the lives of these young citizens.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks to both Dr. Shasha Kanwar and the orphanage
administration for their immense cooperation in making this World No Tobacco Day campaign a resounding success.
