Reflections on Suicide Prevention Day at Dr. Subhash University
On the occasion of Suicide Prevention Day, the School of Arts and Humanities at Dr. Subhash University, Junagadh, hosted a thought-provoking series of expert talks that explored suicide through two essential lenses: the social and the psychological. The event encouraged open dialogue, collective reflection, and a deeper understanding of how we can support one another in times of emotional crisis.
💬 The Question That Echoed:
One question resonated deeply throughout the session: “How can we stop ourselves from thinking about suicide or falling into depression?” My personal response was rooted in the idea of purpose:
“A goal in life should be so compelling that it doesn’t allow us to stop or end the purpose of living.”
🌟 The Power of Purpose:
Purpose acts as a psychological anchor. As Viktor Frankl wrote in Man’s Search for Meaning, and Nietzsche echoed:
“He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.” Even small goals—finishing a book, mentoring a student, designing a banner—can restore momentum and offer emotional clarity. These stepping stones become quiet affirmations of life.
🌈 A Cycle of Renewal:
We must learn to layer our goals—one after another—like beads on a thread.
“Each goal is a lantern. When one dims, the next lights the way.” Let these goals be not only career-driven but soul-nourishing: learning a new language, translating a forgotten text, or simply showing up for someone who needs us.
📚 Literature as a Lifeline—On Page and On Screen
In moments of emotional turbulence, literature can be more than an escape—it can be a companion, a mirror, and a guide. Whether it’s the quiet wisdom of a novel, the catharsis of a poem, or the layered storytelling of a play, literature reminds us we are not alone.
Today, literature lives beyond books. Films and series inspired by literary or psychological themes—like Inside Out, A Beautiful Mind, or Never Have I Ever—offer comfort and insight.
“Sometimes, a character’s journey on screen becomes the voice we needed to hear in our own silence.”
📣 A Message to Students:
If you ever feel lost, don’t wait to find a reason to live—create one. Let your next goal be your quiet rebellion against despair. Let literature, learning, and connection be your companions. And remember, you are never alone in your journey.
