In this first of a kind meet, youth from around the world were oriented to health issues, using innovative health education strategies. This initiative empowered the youth about health awareness and imparted health advocacy skills among these youth leaders. 168 youth activists and 57 adult facilitators from 35 countries from all around the world and 11 states of India participated in this meet. These informed youth activists, under the guidance of adult facilitators, will steer campaigns that will mobilize their peers and motivate governments to implement health promoting policies at national and international levels.

HRIDAY-SHAN conducted a signature campaign in support of notification related to ban on tobacco use in films and tele-serials announced by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. HRIDAY-SHAN mobilized three advocacy groups: Students Against Tobacco (SAT), Teachers Against Tobacco (TAT) and Parents Against Tobacco (PAT) who prepared an appeal to support this ban. These advocacy groups conducted a signature campaign with students, teachers and parents of Delhi and 9 other cities of India.

HRIDAY-SHAN organized a workshop to network with health professional from different fields in India to mark the World No Tobacco Day, 2005. The theme for World No Tobacco Day, 2005 was "The Role of Health Professionals in Tobacco Control". The main aim of organizing this training workshop was to brainstorm with health professionals on issues related to tobacco control in India, especially highlighting the policies in place and developing an action plan for creating tobacco free workplaces and tobacco free culture at the national level. This activity was organized by HRIDAY- SHAN for Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in collaboration with WHO.

The Ministry of Health Family Welfare (Government of India) commissioned a detailed review of the status of tobacco control in India by preparing a Report on 'Tobacco Control in India'. HRIDAY was entrusted the responsibility of preparing this report. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), USA and WHO provided technical support through expert reviews and supported the development and release of this report. Honorable Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss released this report on Tobacco Control in India on November 25, 2004 at New Delhi. Download PDF

To mark the World Health Day 2004, HRIDAY-SHAN has developed a Student Charter on Road Safety. Preceding the development of this charter, an inter-college round table discussion was held at India International Centre on February 26, 2004, in which students from participating colleges of Delhi, presented their generation's views on issues related to road safety which would affect their present and future health. On the basis of this discussion a Student Charter was developed under the project named, "Student Charter on Road Safety and Education". The charter defines the essential requirement of safe roads and improved traffic conditions, which meet the health and environmental needs of the Indian people. It highlights road safety issues such as providing signaled zebra crossings, safe pedestrian pathways and protected cycle lanes to improve road and traffic conditions for safe environment.

On the eve of the World Heart Day, student activists of SHAN (Student Health Action Network) submitted a pledge to the Union Health Minister, Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss, affirming their commitment to adopt healthy living habits and to promote them among other community members. They also appealed to the government to help them make and maintain healthy lifestyle choices through policies which strictly regulate tobacco and unhealthy food, promote healthy foods and make regular physical activity easy to undertake in an urban environment. The youth activists also presented postcards bearing suggested pictorial health warnings on tobacco related diseases, which they wanted the government to display on tobacco packs to alert people to the harmful consequences of tobacco use. These were submitted along with signatures from over 20,000 school students from Delhi, Lucknow, Goa and Himachal Pradesh. Similar appeals, signed by parents and teachers were also presented by their representatives.

City Level Student Parliament on Health was organized at each state level (Delhi,Goa, Mumbai, Kottayam, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Simla, Jaipur, Kolkata and Orissa) as part of the project entitled "Involving Youth for Implementing Policies related to Tobacco Control in India" supported by American Cancer Society (USA) which aimed to: mobilize school students for effective advocacy on tobacco control enhance the capacity of youth to act as agents of desirable social changes especially in areas related to health. involve policy makers and sensitize them on tobacco control policies. As a prelude to these City Level Student Parliaments, intra and inter school debate competitions were organized in each state for senior students (grade IX-XI) in 20 schools (10 private and 10 government).

World Health Day 2003 was celebrated at Talkatora Gardens, New Delhi. The theme for World Health Day, 2003 was "Healthy Environment for Children: Shape the future of life". HRIDAY-SHAN coordinated a few components of the programme for Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and facilitated an exhibition on Environment and Health. Models, posters, collages & games on environment and health, prepared by students of Delhi were displayed in the exhibition. This exhibition was inaugurated by Director General of World Health Organization, Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland. World Health Day 2003 Celebration at Talkatora Gardens, New Delhi.

HRIDAY-SHAN organized the inter college debate competition. First two winners of intra college debate competition, held in the colleges between August 2002-September 2003, were eligible to participate in the inter college debate competition. The topic for the debate was "Tobacco Control will succeed only as a global mission and should not be left merely as an individual option". The First Three Winners of the Inter College debate competition were:

S.No. Name of the Student Name of the College Position 1. Mr. Imran Khan Sri Venkateswara College Ist Prize 2. Ms. Anandita Baipai Jesus and Mary College IInd Prize 3. Mr. Aman Sethi St. Stephens College IIrd Prize

On the eve of World No Tobacco Day, school students of Delhi, who are involved in activities of organisation: HRIDAY-SHAN, met the Honourable Health Minister of India, on May 30, 2003 with over 50000 signatures collected by them in support of the theme for WNTD, 2003. These students have been working for the last two months on sensitizing their peer group, parents and teachers on issues related to tobacco control and also emphasized on how the film and fashion world is contributing to promoting tobacco use. STUDENTS DISPLAYING ANTI-TOBACCO POSTERS ON THE OCCASION OF WORLD NO TOBACCO DAY 2003

The First 'All India Student Parliament on Health' was organized by HRIDAY (Health Related Information Dissemination Amongst Youth) and SHAN (Student Health Action Network) to stimulate debate on health issues among school students at New Delhi. Students from 10 states of India participated in this event, which was sponsored by the World Health Organization and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. During the session, students adopted the parliamentary format to discuss many issues of health policy and performance in health care (Debate on Motion of Thanks for the President's Address and Question Hour) and also focused sharply on concerns related to road safety (Private Member's Resolution) and tobacco control (Amendments to the Tobacco Control Act). At the conclusion of the Student Parliament, students adopted five resolutions on Dedicated Tobacco Tax for Health Promotion, Food and Nutrition, Physical Activity, Road Safety and Tobacco Control. These were submitted by them to Chairperson, NHRC and the WHO Representative. They would also become the campaign issues for SHAN (Student Health Action Network) in the year ahead

HRIDAY-SHAN organized intra and inter school slogan writing competitions for students of junior level (grade VI-VIII) and for students of senior level (IX-XII) to sensitize and orient the students on contemporary health issues during December 2003-January 2004. The topic for the junior level was, "Tobacco is a threat to our society" and for the senior level was, "National and International Tobacco Control Laws."

Inter School Poster Making Competition On Environment and Health 9th January 2002.

HRIDAY- SHAN coordinated with Department of Education for replication of model to other states. Officials of Education Departments from selected States were invited for critical appraisal of HRIDAY-SHAN programmes and to discuss the adaptation of the Model in other states. This Workshop was held on February 12, 2002 at Delhi.

HRIDAY was invited as NGO observer for the WHO Intercountry Consultation on Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, at Jaipur, Rajasthan, from 13 to 15 February 2002. HRIDAY provided assistance in setting up an IEC exhibition and facilitated the organization of this meeting at Jaipur

Sl. No.	Name of the Activity	Date	Venue
1.	Workshop on "Move for Health Activities in Community and Industrial settings".	March 30, 2002	India International Centre, Conference Room No-1, 40 Max Mueller Marg, Lodhi Estate, New Delhi, India.
2.	Launch Workshop on "Moving for Health: Making the World Health Day Theme an every day activity in Delhi".	April 4, 2002	India International Centre, Lecture Theatre, 40 Max Mueller Marg, Lodhi Estate, New Delhi, India
3.	"Enhancing Physical Activity: Energising Industries" Activities on promoting Physical Activity in 10 industrial set ups.	April 5, 2002	10 Industries including Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd., Steel Authority of India Ltd., Bharat Electronics Ltd., Escorts etc.
4.	Major Public Event: "Enhancing Physical Activity Energising Schools and Communities".	April 6, 2002	Kalka Public School, Alaknanda, New Delhi, India
5.	"Enhancing Physical Activity: Energising Communities" Programme for Resident Welfare Association.	April 7. 2002	3 communities in Delhi

April, 7 2002

World Health Day 2002 was celebrated today, with the theme Move For Health emphasizing the benefits of regular moderate physical activity. More than 2500 students from 40 schools were joined by representatives of the World Health Organization, Union Ministry of Health, Confederation of Indian Industry, Sports Authority of India, Indian Olympic Association and several Resident Welfare Associations from across Delhi in a motivational 'Walk for Health' in Alaknanda, Delhi. The event was organized by the youth based voluntary organizations HRIDAY (Health Related Information Dissemination Amongst Youth) and SHAN (School Health Action Network) which have been working to enhance awareness and adoption of healthy living habits by school students and, through them, by the wider community. The walk was flagged off by Dr. Robert Kim-Farley, WHO's country representative in India.

The students later gathered at the Kalka Public School for a vibrant demonstration of athletics, cycling, martial arts, yoga, aerobics, dances and plays, displaying many ways in which physical activity can be integrated into our lives. Health experts addressing the gathering also emphasized that even simple activities like brisk walking and climbing stairs will provide adequate protection against many disorders like heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer of the colon (large intestine), osteoporosis (bone thinning), arthritis, low back ache, constipation, anxiety and depression.

The events were inaugurated by Mr. Javed Chowdhury, Health Secretary, Government of India. Others who spoke were Dr. Robert J. Kim-Farley of World Health Organization, Mr. Sujeet Gupta of CII, Dr. P. K. Dave (AIIMS) and Dr. K. S. Reddy (Coordinator of HRIDAY and SHAN). Later, Dr. S. P. Agarwal (Director General of Health Services) delivered the Valedictory Address and distributed prizes to the winners of competitive events.

The World Health Day also marked the initiation of a country wide effort by the Confederation of Indian Industry to upscale work-site and family oriented physical activity programmes involving its member industries and by Resident Welfare Associations in Delhi to implement sustainable community programmes across the capital.

May 31, 2002

An Animation Film (Tobacco Terror), produced by HRIDAY (Health Related Information Dissemination Amongst Youth) and SHAN (Student Health Action Network) for anti-tobacco advocacy, was released today by Shri J.V.R. Prasada Rao, Special Secretary (Health), Government of India. The 3-minute film was exhibited to a gathering of school and college students, teachers, sports persons and other community members at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences. It utilized the images of the World Trade Center and Pentagon bombings by hijacked planes to draw analogy to the attack on lungs and heart by cigarettes, bidis and cigars. The film calls for action to combat tobacco terrorism which claims more than 10,000 lives every-day.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sajeeva Ranaweera of the World Health Organization called for delinking sports from tobacco as the association of the two, as promoted by advertising and event sponsorship, has a powerful influence in attracting young persons to tobacco products. Ms. Rachna Govil, representing the Sports Authority of India, said that no sports person dedicated to his or her sports would ever indulge in the tobacco habit as that would damage health and detract from fitness. Mr. Prasada Rao said that the awareness of the harm caused by tobacco was growing in the country but much more effort was needed for education and advocacy so that judgments by the Supreme Court and the proposed legislation for tobacco control could be effectively implemented and enforced with public support. Prof. K. Srinath Reddy, coordinator of HRIDAY-SHAN, said that the film was part of a continuing advocacy by these youth based organizations and would be supplied to schools, industries, media and other interested agencies for exhibition in public interest.

June 5, 2002

On the occasion of the World Environment Day a meeting was organized to catalyze new initiatives in advancing action in the related areas of environment, health and law. This brought together several NGOs involved in advocacy and action for environment promotion, protection of public health and application of law for social engineering into a coalition for the common cause. The workshop was sponsored by the Bodh Raj Sawhny Memorial Trust whose objectives includes the promotion of law as an instrument for social change, especially in the areas of environment, community health and gender justice.

The participating NGOs, which included the Centre for Science and Environment, Tata Energy Research Institute, Law-E and HRIDAY-SHAN resolved to collaborate in strengthening advocacy and action for protecting the environment and promoting public health. Mr. M.M. Dutta (WHO) and Mr. Pranay Lal (CSE) delivered the keynote addresses. Prof. K. Srinath Reddy (HRIDAY-SHAN) moderated the discussion. The meeting was attended by several school and college students from the Students Health Action Network (SHAN) whose members also spoke of their resolve to undertake environment related projects in Delhi through the schools and colleges.

The WHO Tobacco Free World Award 2002, awarded by the WHO Director General Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland, was presented today by a WHO Representative to HRIDAY-SHAN a Delhi based health NGO which promotes informed health action by school students. HRIDAY (Health Related Information Dissemination Amongst Youth) facilitates health related learning among school students aged 10-13 years, of Grades VI-VIII (learning the fact) while SHAN (Student Health Action Network) promotes informed health activism and advocacy for policy change by older students aged 14-17 years, of Grades IX-XII (learning to act). The Tobacco Free World Award has been instituted by WHO to recognize outstanding contributions by organizations or individuals who advance the cause of tobacco control through advocacy and activism. The award was presented by the WHO Country Representative, Dr. Tej Walia, to HRIDAY-SHAN's Coordinator Prof. K. Srinath Reddy.

AWARENESS AMONG SCHOOL CHILDREN (10-13 YEARS) ON ENVIRONMENTAL THREATS TO HEALTH AND METHODS TO COMBAT THOSE THREATS: LEARNING WHILE PLAYING THROUGH A BOARD GAME

About the Game

Enviro board games have been developed by HRIDAY-SHAN with support from World Health Organization (SEARO) and Ministry of Environment & Forests (Government of India). Enviro is a game designed to sensitize children about the environment. It is an info pack on various environmental issues presented in an enjoyable and challenging way that follows the playway principle of learning. The game intends to make the children understand various environmental problems and also make them aware of possible solutions. This game can be adapted by other SEARO countries with minimal modifications, as this game is not country specific in concept or content. Objective: - To sensitize children about various environmental issues and to make them aware that they can bring about a positive change. Age Group: - This game is aimed for children in the age group of 10-13 years. (Class VI-VIII) Players: - 2-4 players, a class in a school setup, members of the family or in a social gathering.

Content Areas

Enviro-I Enviro-II Enviro-III Air Pollution Hygiene and Sanitation Children working in hazardous conditions Indoor Pollution Waste disposal Injuries and Accidents Outdoor Pollution Disease vector Wild life Conservation and Forestry Water Pollution Water security Natural Disasters Noise Pollution Junk food Road Safety Chemical Hazards Water Management-harvesting

Each game has 3 kinds of info cards: 1. General cards- contains information regarding the players action for the block on which the player lands. 2. Folded cards- contain objective type questions for which the player has to choose an appropriate option for his future action. This question is asked by player no-2 who is playing opposite player no-1. Player no-2 decides (based on player 1's reply and by referring to the answer key whether player 1 looses or gains scores for his choosen action on folded cards). 3. Questionnaire card- contains questions which the player has to answer when he lands on the question block.

HRIDAY-SHAN sensitized and motivated formation of three well informed groups: Students Against Tobacco (SAT), Teachers Against Tobacco (TAT), Parents Against Tobacco (TAT). These 3 groups formed 3 different appeals wherein they expressed their views about need to protect youth from the dangers of secondhand smoke. The representatives of SAT, TAT, and PAT submitted these appeals signed by 27656 students, 1898 teachers and 5022 parents to Dr. Robert J Kim Farley, former WHO Representative in India on May 22, 2001 to mark the World No Tobacco Day, 2001

HRIDAY-SHAN model on youth campaigns for tobacco control was included as a case study in the teaching module prepared for the workshop on 'Leadership and strategic Management of Tobacco Control Programme in South East Asia' organized by WHO (SEARO) at Jaipur, India.

HRIDAY-SHAN conducted a Teachers' Training Workshop and a Students' Training Workshop for the teacher coordinators and the Student Peer leaders from both Government and Private Schools of Delhi on August 13 and August 14, 2001 at J.L. Auditorium, All India Institute of Medical Sciences. These schools have joined the two programmes this year as an effort of HRIDAY and SHAN as WHO and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's anti-tobacco programme to expand to 200 schools of Delhi.

Five students from HRIDAY-SHAN schools were invited to participate in the first school health jamboree of WHO South-East Asia Region, Feydhoo Finolhu Island, held from 13 to 15 September 2001. The purpose of this jamboree was to provide the opportunity for students from different schools of different regional countries to come together and share the useful information about the school health programmes and health promotion in schools and to set an example for others countries to promote school health.

HRIDAY-SHAN organised three training workshops for the new schools which have recently joined the programmes on October 4, 5 and 6, 2001 at All India Institute of Medical Sciences.

HRIDAY-SHAN in collaboration with Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (Government of India) organized SEAAT flame function with participation of WHO's officials from Geneva, Regional office and Country office and mobilized 2500 school students of Delhi under HRIDAY-SHAN programme who also participated in the SEAAT flame function. As part of the SEAAT flame function, anti-tobacco oath taking ceremony was organized in the morning assemblies of 3 schools under HRIDAY-SHAN. The chief guest for the function in these 3 different schools were Dr. Robert J. Kim Farley (former WHO Representative in India), Ms. Martha Osei (former Regional Advisor, Health Promotion and Education, WHO - SEARO) and Ms. Ira Ray from Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

An appeal signed by 25000 school students of Delhi was presented to the Prime Minister of India on September 12, 1998, marked the formal launch of SHAN. In this appeal students urged for a comprehensive governmental ban on tobacco advertising.