Workshop on Mental Health and Suicide Risk Reduction for College Principals
- 16th December 2024 : Arunachal Institute of Tribal Studies -

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ICMR’s Workshop on Mental Health and Suicide Risk Reduction for College Principals

A one-day workshop for college principals was held at Rajiv Gandhi University today. The event, titled “Enhancing Mental Health and Suicide Risk Reduction among School and College Students,” brought together educational leaders namely Professor Manjula M. Mahapatra, Principal, Hills College of Teachers’ Education, Lekhi and Dr. Taw Azu, Principal, Government College, Doimukh.

The workshop, organized by Arunachal Team of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Arunachal Institute of Tribal Studies, RGU, focused on equipping principals with the knowledge and tools necessary to create a supportive environment for student well-being, identify early warning signs of mental health challenges, and implement effective suicide prevention strategies.

The day kicked off with a tone setting welcome address on the importance of mental health in the academic environment with a bird’s eye view of the project by Dr. Tarun Mene, Project Principal Investigator. The key sessions of the workshop focused on suicide risk identification and prevention.

Dr. Leeyir Ete, Project Research Scientist-II, provided participants with vital training on recognizing warning signs of students at risk of self-harm or suicide. Emphasizing early intervention, the session outlined strategies for principals to support at-risk students, including clear action steps for addressing suicidal thoughts and fostering an environment of trust. The discussion was punctuated by role-playing exercises, where principals practiced identifying warning signs and engaging in sensitive conversations with students.

The workshop also stressed the importance of building an inclusive and supportive college environment. Principals were encouraged to integrate mental health initiatives into their college’s culture, not only through formal services but by fostering open dialogues about mental well-being.

The event concluded with a call to action, urging principals to return to their campuses with a renewed commitment to enhancing mental health support systems and ensuring that students feel safe and supported. Principals were given access to resources on suicide prevention and mental health promotion, including contact details for local professionals and national helplines.

The program officially came to an end with the Vote of Thanks delivered by Mr. Amit Kumar, Co-Principal Investigator who, in lieu with the project goals, urged the Principals and underscored the establishment of mental health committees, the introduction of peer support programs, and the integration of counselling services.

The one-day workshop proved to be an important milestone in the ongoing efforts to reduce suicide risks and improve mental health outcomes among school and college students. By empowering principals with the knowledge and tools needed to lead with empathy, the event has laid the groundwork for a brighter, healthier future for students in colleges across the region.