EduConnect

Don Bosco College, Panjim Holds Awareness Session on ‘Prevention of Suicide Among Teenagers’


On October 6, 2025, the Department of Psychology and the Wellness Club of Don Bosco College, Panjim–Goa, organized an impactful awareness session on “Prevention of Suicide Among Teenagers.” The event formed part of the National Task Force Initiative and aimed to raise awareness, promote emotional well-being, and equip students with strategies to recognize and respond to signs of distress among peers.

The session was conducted by Ms. Aafreen Khan, College Counsellor at Dhempe College of Arts and Science, Miramar–Goa, who served as the Resource Person. In her engaging and empathetic address, Ms. Khan discussed the growing concern of teenage suicide, shedding light on the complex psychological, social, and emotional factors contributing to it. She emphasized the importance of fostering open communication, encouraging early intervention, and practicing empathy in supporting individuals facing emotional struggles.

Ms. Khan guided students on offering meaningful peer support, seeking professional help when necessary, and addressing the stigma that still surrounds mental health issues. Her interactive approach encouraged students to share their perspectives and engage in open dialogue, creating a safe and reflective space for learning and understanding.

Students from the First, Second, and Third Year B.A. programs, along with members of the Wellness Club, participated actively in the session. The event concluded with a message of hope and reassurance—that every life matters and that help is always available.

This initiative not only sensitized young minds to the realities of mental health challenges but also reinforced the importance of cultivating a campus culture centered on care, empathy, and mental well-being. Don Bosco College continues to uphold its commitment to holistic student development, ensuring that mental health awareness remains a vital part of its educational environment.

National

Project Mann by Mpower and CISF Supports Mental Health of 75,000 Personnel and Families


31 July 2025: In a landmark demonstration of institutional mental wellness, Project Mann, a mental health initiative by Mpower (an initiative of Aditya Birla Education Trust) in collaboration with the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), has positively impacted over 75,000 personnel and their families.

The initiative, launched following an MoU signed in November 2024, integrates counselling, awareness drives, clinical interventions, peer training, and psychometric screenings into the day-to-day life of CISF personnel.

As per the latest review by Mrs. Neerja Birla, Founder & Chairperson of Aditya Birla Education Trust, and DG CISF R.S. Bhatti, the program has achieved remarkable milestones:

  • 75,000+ individuals supported through mental health interventions
  • 8,506 officers trained in early detection and peer counselling
  • 21,000 personnel screened in high-sensitivity zones like IGI Airport, Delhi Metro, Parliament
  • 24×7 helpline available for immediate access to care
  • 40% reduction in suicide incidents since its launch

This two-tiered approach—training peers to flag low-risk issues and ensuring timely referral to professionals—has decentralized mental health support across CISF units, making psychological first aid readily accessible.

Highlighting the program’s success, DG CISF Sh. R.S. Bhatti said,
“Mental health is as mission-critical as physical fitness. This initiative ensures our personnel remain emotionally resilient and operationally ready.”

Mrs. Neerja Birla added,
“Institutionalizing mental health, as done with Project Mann, is a true marker of progress. CISF’s commitment to wellness has set a benchmark that many more can follow.”

With Project Mann’s continued expansion and success, it serves as a national model for integrating mental wellness into security forces’ frameworks.