Introduction

The Department of Psychology, SRM University Delhi-NCR, Sonipat, organized an event to commemorate World Suicide Prevention Day on 10th September 2026. The event was held to spread awareness about suicide prevention among youth, to break the stigma around it, and to encourage open talk about mental health. It also focused on early identification and support for those who may be going through emotional distress. The event included a workshop, skit, poster making competition, awareness march and fun activities. It combined learning, creativity and student participation, making the celebration both meaningful and enjoyable.

Objectives of the Event

• To increase awareness among youth about suicide prevention.
• To break stigma and normalize talking about suicide.
• To promote early identification and support.
• To provide students an opportunity to interact with an expert in mental health.
• To recognize outstanding student participation through prizes and certificates.

Proceeding of the event

The programme started at 9:30 AM at Nandi Hall with the welcome of guests and participants. The welcome address was followed by remarks by Dr. Aditi Dev, Dean Incharge of Science and Humanities.

Workshop on Suicide Prevention Day

At 10:00 AM, a skill-based workshop on suicide prevention was conducted. The workshop was aimed at enhancing awareness, understanding warning signs, and developing skills to respond to individuals who may be experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts.

The workshop was delivered by Ms. Tenzin Keyzom, Outlive Peer Mentor. She is an aspiring psychologist and a mental health consultant with the Centre for Mental Health Law & Policy (CMHLP), working on the Outlive Project, a youth-led suicide prevention initiative recognised by WHO and UNICEF. She has over two years of experience in rights-based services and peer support interventions and specialises in crisis intervention and young adult-centred mental health advocacy.

She was accompanied by Ms. Shreya Chhabra, Convenor at Youth for Mental Health. Ms. Shreya has done her Master's of Science in I/O Psychology from O.P. Jindal Global University and is now working full time with Youth for Mental Health.

Skit

At 11:30 AM, a skit was performed on the theme of suicide prevention and mental health. The skit was prepared by students of the Department of Psychology. It gave the message of support, hope and reaching out for help.

Poster Making Competition and Prize Distribution

A Poster Making Competition was organized in which students made creative, informative and impactful posters on themes related to suicide prevention, mental health awareness, help-seeking, support systems and hope. The entries were evaluated by a panel of judges. The programme was wrapped up at 12:00 PM with the prize distribution. Cash prizes and certificates were given to the winners accordingly:

First Prize – Rs.1000
Second Prize – Rs.700
Third Prize – Rs.500

Awareness March

At 12:30 PM, an awareness march was held. Students of psychology department walked together to spread the message of suicide prevention and to encourage others to talk openly about mental health.

Fun Activities and Stall

From 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM, fun activities were organized for the students:

• Power in Our Hands (Wall of Hope)
• Keep the Hope Up Challenge
• Bad Day Playlist
• Vent Out Message
• Stalls for DIY muffin, face painting, and crochet arts were also set up.

Vote of Thanks and Conclusion

The programme concluded with a formal Vote of Thanks, expressing gratitude to the dignitaries, guest speaker, judges, faculty members, volunteers and participating students. The event promoted awareness of mental health and suicide prevention and encouraged a culture of compassion and open dialogue. The programme formally concluded at 3:30 PM.

Event Outcome

• Enhanced student awareness about suicide prevention.
• Helped in breaking stigma and encouraged open conversation about mental health.
• Provided exposure to an expert perspective through the workshop.
• Encouraged creativity through the poster competition and activities.
• Recognized student creativity through prizes and certificates.