The workshop aimed to enhance awareness among students regarding the serious health impacts of air pollution and to motivate the medical community and youth to serve as advocates for clean air. The session was attended by 134 participants, including students and faculty members.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Surya Kant, Professor and Head, Department of Respiratory Medicine, KGMU, and National Core Committee Member of Doctors for Clean Air and Climate Action. Dr. Surya Kant highlighted that air pollution does not affect only the lungs but damages the entire body, contributing to premature aging and increasing the risk of diseases such as COPD, lung cancer, pneumonia, tuberculosis, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders. He emphasized that clean air is a fundamental right of every citizen, not a luxury.

The session underscored the responsibility of doctors and young citizens to raise awareness and actively engage communities in the clean air movement. Participants were encouraged to adopt eco-friendly lifestyles, reduce their carbon footprint, and become “Vayu Mitras” to promote clean air initiatives, strengthening public understanding of air pollution as a major public health concern.