Series of events mark world suicide prevention day at Shoolini University

Solan, September 12
In a significant initiative to mark World Suicide Prevention Day, Shoolini University’s Club Arcadia, in collaboration with the Centre of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, hosted a series of events. The events aimed to raise awareness about suicide prevention through creative expression and expert discussions from students and faculty.
The first day’s activities took place at the Milkha Singh Indoor Stadium, where a series of creative competitions were held. These included poster-making, slogan writing, and poetry contests, all centered on the theme of mental health awareness. Students from various departments showcased their artistic talents, delivering compelling messages about the importance of mental well-being and the need for open conversations about suicide prevention. The creative efforts underscored the power of expression in spreading awareness on such critical issues.
A suicide prevention awareness talk was also organised on the occasion and featured the key speakers including Chancellor Prof. P. K. Khosla, Dr. Ashoo Khosla, and Dr. Saamdu Chetri, who emphasised the importance of mental health support within academic institutions. Their speeches focused on creating an ecosystem of care, empathy, and openness, which is vital for suicide prevention.
An art exhibition was also inaugurated by Chancellor Prof Khosla. It displayed a range of creative works, including posters, poems, and slogans that reflected the students’ deep understanding of the theme “Life is to Live, Not to End.”
On the occasion, students who excelled in the competitions were honored for their remarkable contributions. In the slogan competition, Muskan Garg secured the first place, followed by Urja in second and Sakshi Dogra in third. The poetry competition witnessed stellar performances, with Apoorva in the top spot, Rafia Aman secured second spot, and Palak Raghuvanshi secured third place.
The art and craft competition also showcased exceptional creativity, where Palki emerged as the winner, with Khushi Bamothra and Zanem taking second and third places, respectively. In the group art and craft category, the team of Vansh, Divyanshu, and Rishab claimed the first position, while Riya, Vedika, and Anaya took second place. The third place went to the group comprising Prachi Ray and Samridhi Kohli.