St Agnes College (Autonomous), Mangaluru organized Peer Led Suicide Prevention Programme for Students of Educational Institutions – a Youth Empowerment Program on 18 January 2023 in association with National Institute of Mental Health And Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru and Manashanthi Counselling Research And Training Centre, Mangaluru and Father Muller Medical College, Mangaluru and Suicide Lifeline – A Unit of Susheg Charitable Trust, Mangaluru. Mr Vinaya Bhat PJ, General Manager, Karnataka Bank Ltd was the inaugurator. The Guest of Honour was Dr Kiran Kumar, Adit Kiran neuropsychiatric centre, Mangalore. Sr Dr M Venissa A.C., Principal St Agnes College Mangalore, Dr Rameela Shekhar, Mental health professional Manashanthi, Mangalore, the resource person, Mrs Sunitha Vittal and the coordinator Mrs Vinatha K, Associate Professor St Agnes College were the dignitaries who were present on the dais. The programme was inaugurated by lighting the lamp. The inaugurator Mr Vinaya Bhat in his address spoke about how he fought against all his insecurities and embraced them. The Guest of Honour Dr Kiran Kumar spoke about how one can deal with a person who is suicidal or has suicidal thoughts. The principal Sr Dr M Venissa A.C. spoke about how with the advent of technology, communication has deteriorated.
Dr Rameela Shekhar and Mrs Sunitha Vittal presided over the session. In the session they emphasised on the reasons as to why people commit suicide and how we could help people who are depressed and get suicidal thoughts. A video on role play, was played followed by which a demo was demonstrated to the students. The students were motivated to be a source of help for the ones who require help. Activities were also conducted. Certificates were provided for all the students. Dr Rameela Shekhar welcomed the gathering and Mrs Vinatha K proposed the vote of thanks. Privy D’Souza of I BA compered the programme.
