Psychiatrist, Principal Urge Open Conversation On Mental Health
Key Points:
- College organises awareness programme with IQAC and Mental Health Club
- Psychiatrist Dr Indu Solanki explains warning signs and safety planning
- Principal urges students to build inner strength and seek support
RANCHI – St Xavier’s College observed World Suicide Prevention Day on Thursday with a programme held at the Father C. Debrawar Memorial Auditorium. The event was jointly organised by the college’s IQAC and its Mental Health Club under the theme of changing attitudes toward suicide and encouraging dialogue as a path to solutions.
The programme aimed to raise awareness about mental health and highlight the role of communication during times of need. It opened with a lamp-lighting ceremony followed by a welcome address from Prof Sandhya Bhengra.
Bhengra spoke about mental health and outlined the objectives of the programme. Psychiatrist Dr Indu Solanki, the event’s chief speaker, then addressed the gathering.
Dr Solanki spoke about various aspects of mental health, including early warning signs, preventive measures and safety planning. She stressed the importance of offering support and reassurance to people going through emotional difficulties.
She also elaborated on self-esteem, time management and goal-setting as key aspects of maintaining a balanced life. Following her address, a documentary related to the subject was screened for attendees.
Principal Dr Father Robert Pradeep Kujur, SJ, spoke about facing mental health challenges and life’s difficulties with resilience. He emphasised discipline, setting the right priorities and making thoughtful decisions in life.
He urged students to build inner strength, connect with spirituality and positive thinking, and to share their struggles with others during difficult times. A question-and-answer session followed the documentary screening, during which Dr Solanki responded to queries from students.
Prof Apurvashree Kujur delivered the vote of thanks to close the programme. College dean Prof B.K. Sinha, DSW Dr Sanjay Kumar Sinha, IQAC coordinator Dr Shiv Kumar, B.Ed department head Dr Father Florence Purti SJ, Dr Father Ephraim Gerald Ba, Dr Santosh Kido, Prof Seema Khalkho and Prof Kanchita Toppo attended the event, along with other faculty members, department heads and students.
