CUK observes ‘World Suicide Prevention Day’

Ganderbal, Sep 11:Health Centre and Department of Students Welfare (DSW), Central University of Kashmir (CUK), in collaboration with the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK), organised a programme on the theme “Changing The Narrative on Suicide,” to mark the “World Suicide Prevention Day 2025,” at Tulmulla campus here on Wednesday.

A statement of CUK issued here said that addressing the gathering, Registrar, Nisar Ahmad Mir, drew attention to the sociological understanding of suicide.

Recalling Emile Durkheim’s work on suicide, wherein he (Emile) categorised suicide into four types - suicide, Altruistic suicide, Anomie suicide, and Fatalistic suicide, Nisar said suicides are not merely psychiatric or individual problems but also deeply linked to social and cultural circumstances.

“When the ego of a person is hurt – whether by family pressure, academic outcomes, or societal judgment - it often leads to egoistic suicide. Similarly, law and order issues and societal instability push people towards anomic suicide,” he said.

Mir told the participants, “Never be cowed down by circumstances. Life is precious. Suicide is no solution to problems. Face challenges with courage and resilience, and share this message with your peers.”

Dean School of Legal Studies, Prof Farooq Ahmad Mir, in his remarks, placed a strong emphasis on nurturing positivity as a shield against despair.

Citing examples from student experiences and anecdotes, he urged young people to reframe setbacks as hidden opportunities.

“Anxiety disorders and despair can be prevented if we cultivate a positive attitude towards life. Believe in hard work, and leave the results to destiny,” Prof Mir said.

Sharing the inspirational story of A P J Abdul Kalam’s initial rejection from pilot training, Prof Mir reminded students that failures are often stepping stones to greater achievements.

“Be positive, always choose the hopeful interpretation of life, and never surrender to despair,” he said.

Majid Shafi, Consultant Psychiatrist, JLNM Hospital, Srinagar, in his presentation, provided an overview of the mental health landscape in Kashmir.

He said that the surveys show that “nearly 45 percent of adults in the region experience distress, 41 percent probable depression, and 26 percent anxiety, with limited mental health infrastructure to address these challenges.”

“Kashmir has only about 100 psychiatrists serving its population, which is inadequate,” he remarked. Presenting statistics, he said suicide rates in the Valley rose from 0.5 per 100,000 before 1990 to 13 per 100,000 by 2020, with youth between 16-25 years most affected. In 2022 alone, J&K reported 600 suicides, of which 375 were in Kashmir,” he said. “The warning signs for suicide are often visible – withdrawal from friends, sudden mood changes, talk about hopelessness, or declining academic performance. The key is to notice them, respond with empathy, and encourage professional help.”

Drawing data from District Hospital Ganderbal, Medical Superintendent, District Hospital Ganderbal, Dr Farah Shafi, in her presentation, said, “The hospital attends 300 to 350 patients every week, with 20 to 25 percent expressing death wishes, 10 to 15 percent showing suicidal ideation, and around 7 percent having attempted suicide. Suicide is not just a statistic; it is a heartbreaking loss of lives, dreams, and futures.”

Stressing that suicide is preventable, she called for collective responsibility.

“Each of us has a role to play, a kind word, a listening ear, or a small act of compassion can save a life. Together, we can replace silence with conversation, despair with hope, and isolation with connection,” Dr Farah said.

She also highlighted substance abuse as a major contributing factor, noting the rising risks associated with heroin and cannabis misuse.

Addressing the participants, Assistant Professor, Religious Studies, Nazir Ahmad urged students to anchor themselves in the present moment rather than being consumed by regrets of the past or anxieties about the future.

“Life becomes meaningful when we choose to live in the ‘now’ with gratitude and positivity. A healthy thought process enables us to accept what we cannot change and focus instead on what we can build today,” he said. “Let us stop being anxious about the uncontrollable and invest our energies in positive action and constructive thought.”

Earlier, Assistant Professor, Department of Law, Reehana Shawl, said, “The objective of organising such programmes is to raise awareness, break the stigma around mental health, and encourage communities and individuals to play an active role in preventing suicides.”

Assistant Professor, Department of Law, Mudasir Ahmad, who conducted the programme proceedings, said that through lectures and presentations, the programme emphasised that suicide is preventable, provided societies acknowledge the problem and extend timely support to those at risk.

Medical Officer, Dr Sheeba Nazir, proposed the vote of thanks.

Medical attendant Javid Ali, and other staff members of the health centre were also present on the occasion.