One in every 100 deaths worldwide is the result of suicide. It can affect every one of us. Each and every suicide is devastating and has a profound impact on those around them. The world we live in is a highly competitive world. This competition pushes people into high levels of stress and anxiety which leads to depression. The pandemic has taken a TOLL on people’s physical health and mental health. The online classes have widened the gap between the teachers and students. The rate of suicide is very high at these stages and that too between the ages of 15 – 29.
However, by raising awareness, reducing the stigma around suicide and encouraging well-informed action, we can reduce instances of suicide. World Suicide Prevention Day is an opportunity to raise an awareness of suicide, to promote actions that will reduce the number of suicides and suicide attempts and to handle any situation courageously. International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) announces the new World Suicide Prevention Day theme for 2021 – 2023 as “CREATING HOPE THROUGH ACTION”.
As an educational institution it is our responsibility to create an awareness amongst students and tell them that “It is OK to take help”.
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The teachers are the first point of contact with the students. It is much more essential to sensitize and provide training for our teachers to identify and handle such students to reduce the chances of suicide. In case of referring to the Counsellor, identification is the first step…
Based on the theme “CREATING HOPE THROUGH ACTION” a Suicide Gatekeeper Training Programwas arranged for the teachers. 44 faculty members were handpicked to attend the training session on the topic “TOUCHING HEARTS – SAVING LIVES” on 4th September, 2021 between 2.30 – 4.30 pm through the zoom platform.
Dr P. DeivaSundari, the Principal delivered the Welcome Address. Dr Geetha Lakshmi, Asst. Prof. (S&H dept.) introducedDr YaminiKannappan, MBBS, DPM, DNB, Consultant Psychiatrist, Kauvery Hospital, to the participants. In the beginning of the session, a POLL was conducted by Dr Yamini to understand the knowledge the teachers have about suicide. 80% of the teachers got 80% of their answers correct. The session was an interactive session and the teachers understood the MYTHS and FACTS about suicide, the warning signs, the verbal cues, behaviour cues and the social cues. Dr Yaminishared a technique of QPR (question, persuade, refer) whichis an Emergency Crisis Intervention, to offer hope through positive actionand refer them for help. By the end of the session the teachers were trained, equipped to handle and refer a student in distress. Ms D. Revathy, Student Counsellor proposed the Vote of Thanks and the session came to an end.
“Life is priceless; invaluable and KCG values it”
Dr Radhakrishan took the office of the second President of India in 1962. His students approached him to celebrate September 5 as a special day. Dr Radhakrishnan instead made a request of them to observe September 5 as Teachers’ Day, to recognise the contribution of teachers to the society.
Being a teacher is a matter of pride. A teacher is a selfless personwho puts in all the efforts to teach their students all the knowledge they gained. To honour our teachers, Teachers’ Day was celebrated on 9th September, 2021. The program was held at APJ Abdul Kalam Auditorium between 1.20 pm – 4.30 pm.
The program started with Prayer Song by students. Dr P. Deiva Sundari, the Principal delivered the Welcome Address. Mr Isaac Samala Gerard, CHRO addressed the teachers on the topic “A Brief on the COVID Protocols to be followed”. Dr Vandhana, HOD – Civil, introduced the Chief Guest Prof. Danesh Chinoy, Health and Wellness Coach, Sports Psychotherapist, Nutritionist and Psychologist, Mumbai. Prof. Danesh spoke on the topic “Life style corrections to combat a sedentary life style – Health in your Hands”. He spoke about physical health, sleep, nutrition, the reason for obesity and life style diseases. His advise to teachers was to take lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. He insisted on physical exercises / activities consistently. He taught breathing exercises, sitting postures, few exercises and life style changes to be made for a healthy life. It was an interactive session and the teachers benefitted out of the session.
After a TEA BREAK the students entertained their teachers with their performances like singing, dancing, beat boxing and keyboard instrumental. The students gave a THANK NOTE to their teachers and certainly it was a proud moment for all the teachers. That was followed by Teacher’s Talent Show. The teachers presented their talents through skit, poem, song, dance, medley and memes. The program came to an end with Vote of thanks by Ms D. Revathy, Student Counsellor, Dr V. Bhanu Rekha, FT HOD and the National Anthem. The teachers enjoyed their day and it was a memorable day for all.
‘A good teacher is like a candle – it consumes itself to light the way for others.’
–Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
The World Mental Health Day is observed on 10th October. The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise an awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.
The WFMH President Dr Ingrid Daniels has announced the theme for World Mental Health Day 2021 as ‘Mental Health in an Unequal World’. Inequalities due to race and ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender identity, and the lack of respect for human rights, including for people living with mental health conditions. Such inequalities have an impact on people’s mental health.
The COVID 19 pandemic has affected the physical and mental health of many people all over the world. It has further highlighted the effects of inequality on health. The pandemic has and will continue to affect people in many ways through infection and illness, sometimes death bringing bereavement to surviving family members; through the economic impact, with job losses and continued job insecurity; and with the physical distancing that can lead to social isolation.
KCG College along with Y’s Men Club, Engineers without borders, NCC, NSS and as a part of Fit India Movement, organized a Mental Wellness Awareness Campaign and Cylothonon 10th October 2021 as a part of WMHD following the COVID protocols. The awareness campaign aimed at educating the community and school students on Mental Health which was launched by Dr P DeivaSundari – Principal, KCG College of Technology. The campaign provided an opportunity to come together, act and ensure mental health for all.
“Mental Illness is nothing to be ashamed of, but stigma and bias shame us all”
– Bill Clinton