Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 18 September 2025
Andaman Law College observed World Suicide Prevention Day 2025 on Thursday, focusing on this year’s theme — “Changing the Narrative on Suicide.” The programme was organized by the National Mental Health Programme (ANI) in collaboration with the Directorate of Health Services.
The event highlighted the importance of awareness, support, and collective responsibility in addressing suicide, particularly among youth. Speakers stressed that suicide prevention is not only about saving lives but also about restoring hope and building resilience, while urging society to change the way it perceives mental health challenges.
Around 100 first- and second-year B.A. LL.B. students participated in the programme. Prof. Dr. P. V. N. Sarma, Principal of the college, welcomed the gathering.
Delivering a keynote address, Ms. Shyamli Singh, Clinical Psychologist, Tele-MANAS Cell, NTMPH, spoke about the causes, early warning signs, and preventive measures related to suicide, urging students to be proactive in supporting peers in distress.
Dr. Sumitra Mondal, Counsellor, Tele-MANAS, NTMPH, highlighted the role of the Tele-MANAS initiative and demonstrated, with the help of a student, how to dial the toll-free helpline 14416 to seek assistance. Ms. Geeta, Counsellor, Tele-MANAS, led the participants in taking a pledge to spread awareness on suicide prevention.
The event was coordinated by Dr. Rajiv Mondal, Director of Physical Education, who also proposed the vote of thanks.
