The Department of Psychiatric (Mental Health) Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing (MCON), MAHE, commemorated World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, 2025, with the theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide.” The day-long observance included interactive sessions, awareness campaigns, oath-taking pledges, and public outreach, drawing enthusiastic participation from students, faculty, and the wider community. The programme is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 4, 10, 16, and 17.

The events commenced early in the morning with the “Hope begins with me: An Oath for Suicide Prevention” campaign at the MCON ground floor with the active participation of final year postgraduate students of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing. A large banner carrying the oath text was displayed, inviting students, faculty, and staff to pledge their commitment towards preventing suicide and promoting mental health. Hundreds of participants signed the pledge, symbolizing their solidarity in rejecting stigma, supporting peers, and spreading hope. The banner, now filled with signatures, stood as a testament to collective responsibility in suicide prevention. Photographs captured students and faculty members enthusiastically signing the banner, reflecting both awareness and commitment.

In the afternoon, a highly engaging interactive session on “Mental Health First Aid” was conducted at Indira Shiva Rao Polytechnic, Perampalli, Udupi, by Dr. Anil Kumar M. N., Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, KMC, Manipal. The session was well attended by faculty and students, as seen in the photographs, where participants listened attentively. Dr. Kumar highlighted practical approaches to identifying early signs of psychological distress, offering immediate support, and referring individuals to appropriate help. The discussion emphasized empathy, active listening, and timely intervention as vital steps in preventing suicidal behavior. The session concluded with an acknowledgment ceremony where Dr. Kumar was felicitated for his valuable contribution. Mrs Asha K Nayak and Mr Renjulal Yesodharan Coordinated the event.

Parallel to the campus activities, the department also reached out to the broader community through a radio talk and radio drama on All India Radio (AIR) in the evening at 8:00 pm. Conducted by Mrs. Pratibha Braggs and MCON students, the program addressed suicide prevention strategies and dramatized real-life scenarios to promote awareness among the public. This medium ensured that the message reached a wider audience beyond the academic setting, encouraging families and communities to play an active role in mental health promotion.

The day’s events underscored the importance of collective responsibility in suicide prevention. The theme, “Changing the Narrative on Suicide,” was evident in all activities, which shifted focus from stigma and silence to hope, dialogue, and proactive care Dr. Judith A Noronha, (Dean), Dr Tessy Treesa Jose (Associate Dean) and Dr Binil V(HoD) guided the observance, with active coordination by Mrs Pratibha Braggs and Mr. Renjulal Yesodharan and the department team.

In conclusion, the World Suicide Prevention Day observance at MCON was a meaningful initiative that successfully combined awareness, action, and advocacy. The oath-taking ceremony symbolized a personal and institutional pledge, the interactive session empowered youth with knowledge and skills, and the radio outreach extended the message to the community. Together, these efforts reflected the department’s commitment to nurturing hope, saving lives, and reaffirming that “Hope begins with me.”