10th September – World Suicide Prevention Day*

*10th September – World Suicide Prevention Day*

On the occasion of *World Suicide Prevention Day* (10th September), the Department of Sociology, Faculty of Arts, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, organized a sensitization campaign for students of M.A. I, M.A. II, and B.A. I, II, III. The campaign aimed at creating awareness about suicide prevention and instilling responsibility among students to support each other in times of crisis.

The program opened with an impactful address by *Dr. Virendra Singh, Head of the Department of Sociology*, who encouraged students to face challenges with courage and conviction. He reminded them that *“It is perfectly fine not to know everything. What matters is giving your best under any circumstances.”* His words struck a chord with young minds who often feel pressured by academic and personal expectations.

*“You don’t need to be an expert to save someone’s life.”*
This central message of the campaign highlighted that suicide prevention begins with simple human actions—listening, caring, and reaching out.

The session was further enriched by *Dr. Pooja Dikshit Joshi, Ms. Tehzib Barodawala, Ms. Manjari Nandy, and Dr. Gunjan Srinivastav*, who emphasized empathy, compassion, and the importance of listening. They highlighted that suicide prevention is not only a medical or psychological issue but also a collective social responsibility. Even small interruptions—like checking on a friend, starting a conversation, or offering a kind word—can bring hope to someone in distress.

A *Slogan-Making Activity was also conducted as part of the campaign, where students actively participated by creating powerful and thought-provoking slogans on suicide prevention and mental health awareness. This activity gave students the opportunity to express their ideas creatively and reinforced the campaign’s message: “Every voice counts in saving a life.”*

The campaign concluded with a powerful takeaway for young minds:

* Life is precious, and struggles are temporary.
* No setback defines your worth.
* Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
* Each one of us can be a lifeline for someone else.

By the end of the program, students pledged to spread awareness, look out for one another, and continue breaking the silence around mental health issues.