Participants taking part in a rally organised by Madurai Medical College to mark World Suicide Prevention Day in Madurai on Thursday.
| Photo Credit: R. ASHOK
Faculty, students and healthcare professionals of Madurai Medical College and Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH) gathered for an awareness programme to mark World Suicide Prevention Day here on Thursday.The event, organised by the Department of Psychiatry, aimed to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health and foster an environment of open communication.The day’s events began with an awareness rally flagged off by Dean Arul Sundaresh Kumar. The procession, which moved from the Academic Block to the GRH Auditorium, saw the participation of Resident Medical Officers, department heads, professors and students from the MBBS, Nursing and Pharmacy streams.Following the rally, the formal proceedings commenced at the GRH Auditorium with a welcome address by Lloyds, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry.Addressing the gathering, Dr. Arul Sundaresh Kumar underscored the critical theme of the day and emphasised the transformative power of starting conversations about mental health.He urged healthcare workers, students and the broader community to remain vigilant in identifying early signs of emotional distress and extending timely support to those in need.Geethaanjali led the gathering in taking the World Suicide Prevention Day Pledge, with attendees committing themselves to promoting mental well-being and preventing tragic losses.During the event, students showcased their interpretations of mental health through painting, photography and an awareness outreach challenge.John Xavier Sugadev, Head of the Department of Psychiatry, delivered an expert session titled ‘Suicide Awareness and Prevention Strategies.’To maximise its impact and reach a wider audience, the lecture was livestreamed on YouTube and simultaneously screened for students across various medical disciplines, the organisers said.The programme served as a reminder of the collective responsibility of medical professionals and the community to recognise warning signs, reduce mental health stigma and keep the conversation on suicide prevention alive, the organisers said. Published - September 10, 2026 06:52 pm IST
