Lucknow: The Lucknow University observed World Suicide Prevention Day on Thursday with an awareness programme titled ‘Umeed: Beyond the Silence’, to encourage conversation around mental health, promoting suicide prevention and emphasising the importance of timely support.The programme was organised under the patronage of vice-chancellor Prof JP Saini by the university’s counselling and guidance cell, Psyche Hub Club and Happy Thinking Laboratory of the department of psychology.Selected clips from the film ‘Chhichhore’ were screened at the psychology auditorium, followed by an interactive discussion on academic and social pressures, failure, resilience, emotional distress and help-seeking.Students were encouraged to understand that failure or difficult circumstances do not determine a person’s worth and that seeking help during periods of emotional distress is an act of courage rather than weakness.Students of the Pran Foundation also staged a ‘nukkad natak’ focusing on suicide prevention.Prof Archana Shukla encouraged students to face challenges with courage and continue moving forward despite difficult phases in life.Prof Manini Srivastava urged students to develop a “fighter’s spirit” and become catalysts for positive change. She called upon them to build a chain of compassion, spread hope and extend support to people experiencing emotional turmoil.As part of the ‘Tree of Hope’ initiative at the university’s old campus, students placed leaves carrying messages about what makes life beautiful and gives them reasons to keep moving forward.‘Mystery boxes’ were also placed, offering students a private and anonymous platform to share their concerns or emotional struggles and seek guidance.The counselling and guidance cell distributed awareness pamphlets containing information on signs of emotional distress, and details of relevant helplines and professional support services.
