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Juktali Higher Secondary School Wins National Tobacco-Free Institution Award

By SK Hasan |

Juktali Higher Secondary School, located in Machagarh under Nazira Co-District, has brought laurels to Assam by winning the prestigious “Tobacco-Free Institution Award” at a national-level ceremony held in New Delhi on May 29.

The award was conferred under the nationwide “School Challenge – Tobacco-Free Environment 2025”, an initiative organized by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, to promote tobacco-free educational institutions across the country.

The competition, conducted in August last year, witnessed participation from high and higher secondary schools from across India. Schools were assessed on a range of awareness activities, including street plays, poster-making, art competitions, and other campaigns highlighting the harmful effects of tobacco consumption.

Juktali Higher Secondary School emerged as one of the outstanding performers at the national level through its active participation in multiple categories. The school's street play, scripted by teacher Ritu Borgohain and directed by Manas Borgohain, received special appreciation from the judges. Its impactful poster presentations also drew considerable attention during the evaluation process.

The achievement was realized under the leadership of Principal Ranjan Buragohain, with significant contributions from nodal teacher Rituraj Baruah and other members of the teaching staff. Teacher Kritika Medhi received the award on behalf of the school at the ceremony in New Delhi.

The recognition has sparked celebrations across the campus, with teachers, staff members, and students sharing in the pride of the accomplishment. School authorities credited the collective efforts of the entire school community for the remarkable success.

Congratulating the institution, the District Coordinator of Samagra Shiksha, Sivasagar, said the achievement is a matter of immense pride not only for Sivasagar district but also for the entire state of Assam. The award, he noted, reflects the commitment of educational institutions in the state towards creating healthier and tobacco-free environments for students.

The national recognition is expected to inspire other schools in the region to strengthen awareness campaigns and adopt effective measures against tobacco use among young people.

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Freelance journalist, Nazira, Sibasagar district.
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