Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner lauds Sneha for work on suicide prevention

Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner J. Radhakrishnan, while addressing the participants at the walkathon organised by Sneha to observe World Suicide Prevention Day held on Sunday, said Tamil Nadu witnesses nearly 50 to 100 deaths due to suicide daily due to lack of timely support and intervention.

Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner J. Radhakrishnan addresses the gathering at a walkathon organised on the occasion of World Suicide Prevention Day at Besant Nagar in Chennai on September 10, 2023. (From left) Dr. Lakshmi Vijayakumar, Founder of Sneha, actor Siddharth, Nalli Kuppuswamy, president of Sneha and Soumya Swaminathan, chairperson of M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation are also seen | Photo Credit: R. Ragu

Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner J. Radhakrishnan on Sunday, September 10, 2023 said it is not a right decision to end one’s life as life is precious and life has to be lived to the fullest.

Mr. Radhakrishnan, while addressing the participants at the walkathon organised by Sneha, a suicide prevention centre that runs a helpline for those in distress, to observe World Suicide Prevention Day held on Sunday, said every year more than 1.80 lakh persons died by suicide in the country with Tamil Nadu witnessing nearly 50 to 100 deaths due to suicide daily due to lack of timely support and intervention. He said poor awareness was the reason among people forced to take extreme steps but Sneha has been playing a stellar role in offering unconditional emotional support through its volunteers.

Chennai Corporation Commissioner J. Radhakrishnan, Dr. Lakshmi Vijayakumar, Founder of Sneha, actor Siddharth, Nalli Kuppuswamy, president of Sneha , Soumya Swaminathan, chairperson, M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation take part in the 3km walkathon held on the occasion of World Suicide Prevention Day, at Besant Nagar in Chennai on September 10, 2023 | Photo Credit: R. Ragu

He congratulated Dr. Lakshmi Vijayakumar for mentoring patients having suicidal tendencies by associating with several non-governmental organisations, to prevent suicides. 

Dr. Lakshmi Vijayakumar, founder trustee of Sneha, talking about the works done by Sneha since its launch 35 years ago said more than 1.50 lakh of distressed and depressed persons were advised from not taking the extreme step. 

Nalli Kuppuswamy, president of Sneha, and WHO’s former chief scientist Dr. Soumya Swaminathan also spoke on the occasion. 

Actor Siddharth flagged off the three-kilometre walkathon on the theme ‘Creating hope through action’ that was held at Olcott Memorial school in Besant Nagar, where hundreds of volunteers participated. 

(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the State’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416. and Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050)