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Journalism of Courage
As the country observes World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, Mpower, an initiative of Aditya Birla Education Trust set up by Neerja Birla, has highlighted the urgent mental health needs of young people through on-ground campus activities and data-driven interventions.
Data from Mpower’s Centre located at Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital shows a rise in high-risk suicide cases between 2022 and 2025 — from 4 in 2022 to 34 already this year, according to an official statement issued Tuesday.
The most vulnerable group is young women aged 21–30, followed by those aged 31–40 and 18–20. The leading triggers include depression, anxiety, personality vulnerabilities, and relationship challenges, further compounded by health and financial stressors.
In response, Mpower marked World Suicide Prevention Day by mobilising students across colleges through its COPE (Counselling and Outreach for Peer Empowerment) Clubs. On-ground activities such as the Jenga of Hope, Hope Hunt, and open-mic sessions turned the serious conversation around suicide prevention into creative, youth-led engagement.
Beyond awareness, COPE trains 25 students per college as Youth Mental Health First Aiders, preparing them to recognise early warning signs, provide peer support, and connect fellow students to professional care.
Parveen Shaikh, president, Mpower, said suicide prevention cannot be limited to awareness campaigns. “It requires consistent, community-driven support systems backed by professional care. By working with families, peers, and colleges, we aim to ensure that no young person feels isolated in their struggle,” Shaikh said.
Mpower’s suicide prevention protocols include a 24×7 helpline (1800-1208-20050), collaborative safety planning with families, psychiatric referrals or hospitalisation where necessary, and ongoing wellness checks to ensure continuity of care.
A candle march has been organised in the city to raise awareness about mental health and offer hope to those struggling in silence. The initiative has been undertaken by Connecting Trust, which has been working in the field of suicide prevention for the past two decades, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Pune Sarasbaug. The march will take place on Saturday, September 13, at 6 pm, starting from Sambhaji Garden on Jangli Maharaj Road.
Pranita Madkaikar, CEO of Connecting Trust, said that several Rotary Clubs, including Pune Katraj, Pune South, Pune Kothrud, Pune Sahwas, Pune Mid-East, Pune East, and Pune Sunrise, support the march.
Rotary members and youth volunteers are expected to participate in large numbers. Founded in 2005 by Arnawaz Damnia, Connecting Trust has been actively working to prevent suicides, create awareness about mental health, and offer emotional support to those in distress.
“Over the past 20 years, we have been able to reach thousands of people and provide them with hope, understanding, and a new direction in life. With Rotary Clubs joining us, the impact of this initiative will be stronger,” said Gayatri Damle of Connecting Trust.
