The Department of Clinical Psychology, SRBS, AVMC&H Puducherry, hosted an impactful World Suicide Prevention Day on 10th September 2024. Honourable Chancellor Dr A.S. Ganesan, Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation (VMFR), Deemed University (DU) inaugurated the rally, followed by visited stall and actively participated in the mind games, showing strong support for the event's cause. The Chancellor’s engagement underscored the institution's commitment to mental health awareness and set a positive example for students and faculty alike. Other dignitaries, Mr. J. Suresh Samuel, Member, Board of Management, Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation (VMFR), Deemed University (DU), Prof. N. D. Rajan, Consultant and Former Director, SRBS, Dr. Arun Banik, Director i/c and HOD, whose speeches emphasized the critical role of community in mental health advocacy. Led by Dr. E. Sambandam, Associate Professor and Head, Dept of Clinical Psychology, and coordinated by Ms. Aruna Kumari G, Assistant Professor, and Ms. Divya Barathi TM, Lecturer, the event aimed to raise awareness about suicide prevention and mental health support through the dedicated efforts of Clinical Psychology faculty and students. The event successfully reached a broad audience, including staffs, students, patients, and the public. The engagement through rallies, stalls, brain games and distribution of informative flyers provided crucial knowledge to many attendees, helping them understand mental health issues better and encouraging them to seek help when needed. The active involvement of diverse participants ensured that the message of suicide prevention and mental health support resonated across the campus and community.
