District Health Society (DHS) Kakching and District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) Kakching jointly observed the 23rd World Suicide Prevention Day on Thursday at Haoreima Sambubi Community Hall, located at Hiyanglam Hiranmei in Kakching District.
With the theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide, Start the Conversation,” the programme witnessed the presence of Chief Medical Officer/District Mission Director – National Health Mission Kakching, Dr. Thaodem Rajen as Chief Guest; President of Youth Pioneer Association (YPA) Hiyanglam Hiranmei, Laishram Shantikumar as President; District Immunization Officer in charge Kakching, Dr. Kshetrimayum Sumati Devi; District Nodal Officer of District Mental Health Programme Kakching, Dr. Khangembam Gopeshwar; Medical Officer in charge of PHC Hiyanglam, Dr. Kh. Krishnananda; Ward Member of Hiyanglam Gram Panchayat, Sh. Memchoubi; Social Worker, Ningthoujam Yaiskul; and President of Punshi Lamjing Meira Village Level Federation, K. Tombisana as Guests of Honour.
Along with them, ASHA Workers of PHC Hiyanglam and members of Village Level Federations also took part in the programme.
As part of the programme, Psychiatric Social Worker of District Mental Health Programme Kakching, Dr. Moirangthem Sushilkumar, delivered an awareness talk.
Chief Guest Dr. Th. Rajen spoke on the meaning of suicide, the reasons behind why people attempt suicide, and the role society can play in preventing it. He stressed the importance of offering support to individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts and highlighted ways the community can help save lives in times of crisis.
The event also featured a drawing competition for school children. In the competition, Hijam Chingkheinganbi Chanu (Class IV, Hiyanglam Turel Manbi Primary School, Hiyanglam) won 1st prize; Thoithoi Sanasam (Class V, Iramdam Maheikol, Langmeidong) secured 2nd prize; and Nungleppam Mangal (Class IV, same school) along with Elangbam Mangalsana (Class IV, Hiyanglam Turel Manbi Primary School, Hiyanglam) shared the 3rd prize. Consolation prizes were also given to other participants to encourage them.
