Lucknow: An awareness programme ‘Healing Hearts, Saving Lives’ for suicide prevention among youth in various girls’ and boys’ hostels of the university was organised by Lucknow University’s Institute of Women and Gender Studies on May 21 and 23. The programme was held under the guidance of Lucknow University Vice Chancellor Prof J P Saini and in association with dean student welfare Prof Amita Kannaujia and PRAN.The programme aimed to create awareness regarding mental health, emotional well-being, stress management, and importance of timely support among students and youth. A thought-provoking street play was presented by the PRAN team comprising Dhruv, Vivek, and Bhavya, who portrayed emotional struggles, social pressures and sensitive issues related to suicidal deaths among youth.National Task Force – Suicide Prevention Among Youth nodal officer, Manini Srivastava, addressed the audience, emphasising importance of mental health awareness, recognising symptoms of poor mental health, healthy ways of dealing with stress and the collective responsibility of students and society in creating an empathetic and supportive environment for individuals facing emotional distress.The event included engaging and stress-busting activities conducted by Saksham and Swapnil Sinha, encouraging active participation and emotional expression among students.
