“Suicides due to drug and alcohol addiction in India tripled since 2011. - NCRB"

Suicide is the third leading cause of death across the world, making it a global concern. In India, for two decades, suicide has been among the top two causes of death among young individuals aged 15-29 years. Thus, the World Health Organization (WHO) collaborates with the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) to host World Suicide Prevention Day. World Suicide Prevention Day is observed worldwide on 10th September, in the pursuit of raising awareness through various activities, to act towards suicide prevention. The triennial theme from 2024-2026 is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”. The theme aims to raise awareness about the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent suicides. It is about shifting from a culture of silence and lack of understanding to one of openness, empathy and support.

“The student suicides nearly doubled in 10 years and calls for urgent action”, reported The Hindu on 25th March 2025. The NCRB data indicates that Drug Abuse is one of the top five causes for suicides among the youth. Considering the rate of suicide is high among the youngsters, it is essential to provide awareness at school and institutional levels. Don Bosco CBSE School, Trasi prioritizes the mental wellbeing of students, thus, the Department of Wellness collaborated with the Anti-Drug and Awareness Committee, and the students of Junior College to create awareness regarding the prevention of suicide on 10th September 2025 in the school premises.

There was a class-wise Poster Making Competition held for the students of Classes IX to XII on the topic “Anti-Drug Awareness and Suicide Prevention” in their respective classrooms. All the students participated enthusiastically. There was a short program in the School Auditorium comprising of information sharing and pledge taking. The students of Junior College shared the information regarding the significance of the day and led the pledge on Suicide Prevention and Anti-Drug Awareness.

The Rector and Principal, Fr. Maxim D’Souza addressed the gathering and shared the importance of sharing our thoughts and feelings with trusted people. He added, “at times of great difficulty, we cannot help ourselves and therefore, we need to seek help and take guidance from trusted adults. And all of us are here to help you when you need, you can approach me, the school counsellor or any of the teachers when you are upset or find life difficult.” The Don Bosco School Education System in itself reduces the pressure among our students unlike other schools, where the academic performance pressure is excessive on the students, thus, he encouraged the students to understand and reap benefits out of this system.