Port Blair, Sept 6: Andaman College (ANCOL) is observing World Suicide Prevention Week from Sept 5 on the theme “Connect, Communicate, Care”. ANCOL PSYCH CLUB attached with the Department of Psychology will be organizing various events to create awareness among the students and local community about suicide prevention. The formal inaugural function was held on Tuesday at the college conference room. Students of the Psychology Department affixed Yellow ribbons and pledged to spread awareness about suicide prevention.
The Principal of the college, Dr R Dev Das released a display magazine for the students. He also released a special pamphlet compiled by the Psychology department containing “do’s” and “don’t” in suicide prevention program. A special “Yellow ribbon Lifeline Card” and a special bookmark “ My Power card” was also released which is a long term program to be carried out by the Department to curb the menace of Suicidal tendency among the Islanders with special focus to Youths.
In his address, Dr Dev Das said that WHO estimates that over 800,000 people die by suicide each year which means one person every 40 seconds and up to 25 times as many again make a suicide attempt. This means that there are many, many more people who have been bereaved by suicide or have been close to someone who have tried to take his or her own life. He further added that by making connections with someone who is struggling is something we can all do, one of the most effective actions we can take to keep people safe. Research has shown that positive relationships with family members, teachers, co-workers, community organizations and social institutions can help increase a person’s sense of belonging, foster a sense of personal worth, and provide access to sources of support.
Welcoming the gathering, Mr Bency Joy, Head and Faculty, Dept of Psychology elaborated the events planned by the Department during the week in creating awareness among the youths of the college and local community. He added that World Suicide Prevention week is an opportunity to join millions of others around the globe to focus public attention on preventing suicide through diverse activities to promote understanding about suicide and highlight effective prevention activities. According to the latest statistics released by National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), rate of suicide in our Islands is quite alarming. Ms Mahalaxmi, Asst Professor, ANCOL proposed the vote of thanks.
