In the wake of the ‘Blue Whale Challenge’ which is leading adolescents to suicide, Maithri, a suicide prevention organisation, in association with the Indian Psychiatric Society, will conduct a seminar on World Suicide Prevention Day on Sunday.
The seminar titled ‘ Aaranu Blue Whaline Bhayapadende (Who should be afraid of the Blue Whale) will be held at Renewal Centre, Kaloor, at 3 p.m.
It will be preceded by a bike rally to create awareness on suicide prevention. Film-maker Jibu Jacob will inaugurate the seminar.
Experts to lead
The theme of the year is ‘Take a Minute, Change a Life’. Psychiatrists C.J. John and Vivek Ullattil will lead the classes. Adolescent depression, Internet use and recognising suicidal tendencies in children are among the topics that will be covered. Parents can attend the seminar free of cost.
The welfare services wing of Ernakulam Karayogam, Chaitram, that works for suicide prevention, will organise week-long programmes across the district to create awareness on the issue.
Street play
The programmes to be held in association with Cochin Time Bank began on Friday with a street play at High Court Junction.
A cycle rally will be held jointly with Thripunithura Cycle Club on Saturday at 4 p.m.
The rally will be flagged off from the Statue Junction.
On Sunday, Chaitram will organise a gathering at Goshree Bridge at 3.30 p.m. ahead of a procession holding placards to the Rainbow Bridge, where P. Vijayan, Inspector General, Kochi Range, will be the chief guest.
Candle light march
A silent candle light rally will be organised at the Durbar Hall Road near the TDM Hall premises.
A talk on the theme of the day will be held at Grameena Vayanasala, Panambukad, on Monday. On Tuesday, a workshop titled ‘R U OK’ will be conducted at TDM Hall at 10 a.m. A public meeting on the issue will be organised at Perumbavoor on September 13 at 3.30 p.m. and, on September 14, a talk on adolescent issues and suicide will be held at Ayappankavu school.
