On the occasion of World Suicide Prevention Day – 2025, the Department of Manovijnana Evam Manasa Roga, Alva’s Ayurveda Medical College and Hospital, Moodubidire, in collaboration with Alva’s P.U. College and Alva’s College, organized a guest lecture on 10 September 2025 at 10:00 A.M. in Kuvempu Hall, Alva’s College. The programme aimed to create awareness about suicide prevention and mental health promotion, sensitize staff and wardens regarding early identification of suicidal ideation, emphasize the role of counselling and timely intervention, and encourage a holistic approach to mental well-being. The welcome address was delivered by Dr. Raviprasad Hegde, Associate Professor, Department of Manovijnana Evam Manasa Roga, and the formal programme was mediated by Dr. Sharadhi, PG Scholar, with the vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Vinitha D’Souza, Associate Professor of the same department. The invited resource person, Dr. Dhaneshwari H. A., Assistant Professor, Department of Manovijnana Evam Manasaroga, SDMCA, Udupi, delivered an insightful lecture covering the epidemiology of suicide, psychosocial risk factors, early warning signs, preventive strategies, and the importance of destigmatizing mental health issues, while highlighting the crucial role of educational institutions, teachers, peers, and healthcare professionals in suicide prevention. The session was interactive, featuring real-life case discussions, practical guidance on emotional support and timely referral, followed by an engaging question-and-answer session. The programme was attended by undergraduate and postgraduate students, teaching faculty, staff members, wardens and SWOs of AEF, and resulted in enhanced awareness, improved understanding of early intervention strategies, promotion of empathetic communication, and reinforcement of the importance of mental health education in academic institutions.
