Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB/EP)

Udupi, Sep 9: “28 lac people in India attempt to commit suicide every year. Government schools also are going after 100% results these days, increasing pressure on children. 28 children commit suicide per day due to competition, comparison, higher expectations, failure in examinations and age related issues,” said senior psychiatrist Dr P V Bhandary.

He was speaking in the workshop for journalists on awareness on suicides held at IMA Bhavan, here on Friday, September 9. “Suicides can be prevented only when government ensures that suitable medicines are available for mental illnesses and alcohol addiction in all the districts,” he said.

Indian psychiatric society Karnataka chapter president Dr P K Kiran Kumar who inaugurated the seminar said that depression is the cause for most of the suicides. “Those who intend to commit suicide can be identified by their behaviour and talk and their suicides can be prevented,” he said.

Udupi district working journalist’s association president Rajesh Shetty Alevoor, chief secretary Nazir Polya, Treasurer Umesh Marpalli and district psychiatrist Dr Vasudeva were on the dais.

Programme convener Dr Ravindra Munoli gave an introduction. Udupi Dr Baliga hospital psychiatrist Nagaraja Moorthy rendered the vote of thanks. Counsellor Padma Raghavendra and administrator Saujanya Shetty compered the programme.

Senior journalist Rajarama Tallur and psychiatrist Dr Deepak Mallya spoke on the subject. A discussion with the journalists was held later.