North & Middle Andaman: Under the guidance of Ms. Geetanjali Khandelwal, IPS Superintendent of Police for North & Middle Andaman District, an awareness program on “Suicide Prevention” was organized by the Andaman & Nicobar Police unit of North & Middle Andaman at Pokkadera Community Hall. The event was held in collaboration with Mr. Suresh Chandra Mazumder, DEO Mayabunder, and Mrs. Marya Sheela, Director of JSS South Andaman, Prayas JAC. The program saw the participation of students ranging from VIII to XII classes, as well as teachers from GMSSS, Mayabunder. They received comprehensive information on suicide prevention, including details about warning signs, risk and protective factors, dispelling myths and misconceptions surrounding suicide, and learning how to offer peer support to those dealing with mental health challenges and self-harm concerns.
Additionally, the program provided insights on the adverse effects of drugs, Cyber Crime, and career guidance. Police personnel also performed a “Nukkad Natak” on the topics of POCSO and drug abuse. The primary aim of this awareness initiative was to instill values such as self-love, discipline, civic sense, and empathy for vulnerable sections of society in students from class VIII to XII. It also aimed to eradicate social evils and anti-social elements, promoting the development of good physical and mental health, self-control, and discipline among youth, ultimately enhancing their capacity for personal achievements through hard work. These efforts were geared towards enabling youth to collaborate effectively with Suicide Prevention and Enforcement Agencies. The district police’s initiatives were designed to have a wide-reaching impact, imparting important life lessons to students from diverse backgrounds. The program focused on empowering youth holistically, equipping them with the knowledge and tools necessary for building self-esteem and self-worth.
In a world marked by uncertainties and pressures, students were given crucial guidance on building successful careers and were made aware of the multifaceted factors that can lead to stress, anxiety, and, in severe cases, suicidal tendencies. A noteworthy component of the program was a compelling “Nukkad Natak” performed by the Police Entertainment Team, which addressed the issue of drug abuse. Its purpose was not only to raise awareness but also to educate students on recognizing and preventing such serious problems. The week-long program culminated in a grand event on 28.09.2023 at the Community Hall Danapur, underscoring the resounding success of the initiative. Approximately 1900-2000 participants, including students from various schools and colleges, attended this event at multiple locations. Their presence highlighted the positive influence the program had on the community and its youth.
Our Citizen Reporter
Mr. Satyajit Naskar
