Manipal, 10th September 2024: In observance of World Suicide Prevention Day, the Department of Student Affairs at Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, organized a Gatekeeper Training Workshop aimed at raising awareness about mental health and equipping individuals with the skills to identify and support those at risk. The workshop was held at the 2nd Floor of Dr. TMA Pai Halls, KMC, and witnessed the participation of over 150 students and staff, underscoring MAHE’s ongoing commitment to fostering a compassionate and supportive community.
The inaugural session was presided over by Dr. P Giridhar Kini, Registrar of MAHE, who served as the Chief Guest. In his address, He spoke about the critical importance of mental health awareness, especially in educational institutions, and highlighted the significant role universities play in suicide prevention. The Guest of Honor, Dr. Samir Kumar Praharaj, Head of the Department of Psychiatry at Kasturba Medical College (KMC), emphasized the need for early detection and timely intervention in mental health crises to reduce the incidence of suicide.
The workshop was led by Dr. Bharath Rathinam, Senior Research Associate from NIMHANS Bangalore, who served as the Resource Person for the event. Drawing on his vast expertise in mental health and suicide prevention, He provided practical guidance and training on how individuals can act as gatekeepers, offering support to those in distress.
Dr. Geetha Maiya, Director of Student Affairs at MAHE, delivered the welcome address and gave an overview of the program. She reiterated the university’s steadfast dedication to student welfare and mental well-being, emphasizing the importance of proactive mental health initiatives such as the Gatekeeper Training Workshop.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Dr. Rashmi Yogesh Pai, Deputy Director, Technical, Department of Student Affairs, who acknowledged the efforts of all involved in making the workshop a success. Special thanks were extended to Ms. Shilpa Joshi, Senior Counselor and the event’s Master of Ceremonies. The event was further supported by the presence of key officials, including Prof. Roshan David Jathana, Dr. Arvind Pandey, and Dr. Nithin, Deputy Directors from the Department of Student Affairs.
This workshop represents a significant step in MAHE’s ongoing efforts to promote mental health awareness and well-being across its community. Through this initiative, participants received essential training to act as gatekeepers, empowering them to identify warning signs and intervene when necessary, further contributing to a safer and more empathetic environment.