Department of Psychology of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) organized an awareness session on suicide prevention programme on September 10, 2025 at the university campus. The title of the event was “Hope Over Hurt: Stronger Together for Resilience and Suicide Prevention.”

The session was conducted by Ms. Madhuri Sarda, Founder and Director of Annantaa, Kolkata, an accomplished psychotherapist and trainer.

The event aimed to raise awareness about suicide prevention, focusing on identifying warning signs, understanding risk factors, and encouraging timely help-seeking. Participants were also introduced to coping strategies such as problem-focused and emotion-focused approaches, journaling, mindfulness, and self-care practices.

The session concluded with a hands-on relaxation activity where students practised deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and mindfulness meditation.

Students actively engaged in group discussions and expressed their reflections through creative drawings that conveyed messages of hope and resilience. Participants found the session highly enriching.

Dr. Susmita Halder.

Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Studies.