Forensis Forum Events

The Centre for Extension Services (CES) and Forensis Forum of the Post Graduate Department of Criminology and Forensic Science (CFS), School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya, Mangaluru, in association with Mangaluru North Police Station, Bunder, Mangaluru City Police Commissionerate had organized an Outreach programme on Suicide Prevention on 7th October 2023 at 10.30 am in the auditorium of Dr. P. Dayananda Pai- P. Satisha Pai Government First grade college, Car Street, Mangaluru.

The programme began by invoking God’s blessings with a prayer song. Ms. Jyothsna, Student, second year MSc Criminology and Forensic Science formally welcomed the gathering. The Chief Guest Ms. Faizunnisa, Police Sub-Inspector, Mangaluru North Police Station, Bunder inaugurated the program by lighting the lamp accompanied by Prof. Dr. Jayakara Bhandary M, Principal Dr. P. Dayananda Pai- P. Satisha Pai Government First grade college, Dr. Nithin, assistant professor, Dr. P. Dayananda Pai- P. Satisha Pai Government First grade college, Mr. Niketh PS, assistant professor of PG department of CFS and Program coordinator and Ms. Shresta Mendon, Student Coordinator.

Mr. Niketh P S, Assistant professor, PG Department of Criminology and Forensic Science and Program Coordinator gave the introductory note. He spoke about the importance of suicide prevention day on September 10 every year. This year’s theme was to create awareness “By Act”. He requested everyone to spread awareness about suicide and to help people who are on the verge of suicide to lead a peaceful and happy life. He also spoke about the increase in number of suicides among youngsters. The main purpose of this programme was to increase public awareness about the signs of suicide, risk factors, preventive measures and available resources for help.

Further Ms. Faizunnisa, Police Sub-Inspector, Mangaluru North Police Station, Bunder addressed the students and expressed her sadness that the number of youngsters committing suicide has increased in the recent past. It is a terrifying experience for the parents to see their children committing suicide. She went on to say youngsters should face the challenges that come in their life as life is not always like a highway but will have potholes and humps that individuals have to overcome. She also said that “To shine like the sun we need to burn like the sun” it is the challenges that makes us successful and youngsters should have the courage to overcome it.

Prof. Dr. Jayakara Bhandary M in his presidential address spoke about the importance of suicide helpline and while on the verge of suicide even talking to anyone for two minutes can prevent a terrible incident. He said that people think suicide is a permanent solution for temporary problems but in reality, it’s not a solution at all, it just causes more problems to our loved ones and the people around us. He raised his concerns that nobody is teaching youngsters how to deal with failure, winning is not everything and everyone should enjoy defeats.

A skit was presented by the students on various circumstances which influences a person to commit suicide such as Family pressure, Ragging, Dowry harassment and Cybercrime. Preventive measures were explained to the students along with a video regarding the same.

Later, a presentation on the topic “Suicide and its prevention” was done by Ms. Priyanka M K, First Year student, where she discussed about the causes that lead to suicide such as family factors, peer pressure, social media, interpersonal relationship, psychological factors, alcohol and substance abuse and bullying. She also gave the students an insight on how to identify people in distress and also gave preventive measures.

The students gave positive feedback regarding the programme and also congratulated the organisers for successfully conducting the programme on an important topic. Altogether, around 60 students of the college, 4 faculties and 21 organisers (18 students, 2 faculties and one intern, PG Department of CFS, School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya) were present. The programme was planned under the guidance of Dr. Saritha D’Souza, Head of the Department & Director, Centre for Extension Services (CES), The Post Graduate Department of Criminology and Forensic Science School of Social Work, Mangaluru. Ms. Shresta Mendon, second year Post Graduate student of Criminology and Forensic Science and student coordinator of the programme delivered the vote of thanks and compered the whole event. The program concluded at 12.00 pm with a group photograph. Ms. Jyothsna, Media Coordinator, Student second MSc CFS drafted the report.