Pics: Dayananda Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (SB)
Mangaluru, Sep 11: On the occasion of World Suicide Prevention Day, Suicide lifeline Mangaluru organised a walkathon 'Walk for Life' on Monday, September 10.
Sasikanth Senthil, Deputy Commissioner of Mangaluru flagged off the walkathon. Hallimane Akki Rotti fame Shilpa was the chief guest of the occasion.
Flagging off the walkathon Sasikanth Senthil said, “It is very sad to note that the children who have not even entered in to the real life are committing suicide or attempting to kill themselves. In these cases parents are playing an important role. Their pressure towards their children to study hard makes children suffer internally. Schooling is something that makes children better. It is not a pressure cooker. Nowadays children are becoming victims of their parent’s competitive nature. So parents should understand this and allow their children to enjoy their childhood. I appreciate the Suicide life line and its members. They are doing a great job of saving people from suicide attempt and bringing them back to a normal life.”
In her speech Shilpa said, “Sometimes small issues in life also tempt a person to commit suicide. With intervention of a second person we can divert the mind of the person who is under pressure and thinking of ending his or her life. Few years back I also passed through the same situation. But once I came out of that situation, I realized how beautiful is life. The positive thoughts made me a courageous woman. I appreciate the mission of Suicide life line which changes the minds of depressed people and gives them positive energy."
Coordinators of Suicide lifeline, Sr Marie Evelyn AC, Usha Rao, and Dr Lavina M Noronha led the walkathon. The walk started from light house hill road and concluded at Nehru Maidan in the city. Large number of students from St Agnes college, St Aloysius college and Roshni Nilaya participated in the walkathon.
The suicide lifeline (0824-2983444) became operational in October 2017. Suicide prevention, promotion of mind health, creating awareness, training volunteers, sensitizing the community and publishing literature on mental wellness are the objectives of the lifeline.