Amritapuri and Coimbatore, September 10, 2026: Students, faculty and staff across Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham’s Amritapuri and Coimbatore campuses came together on World Suicide Prevention Day to promote open conversations around suicide prevention, emotional wellbeing and the importance of seeking support.

The observance was organised in association with Mano Layam – Rhythm of the Mind, Centre for Wellbeing, with the theme of encouraging members of the campus community to “Start the Conversation.” The initiative aimed to create a supportive environment where students could speak openly about emotional challenges, listen to one another and recognise the importance of mental wellbeing.

Students from B.Sc. Psychology, Cognitive Science, Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), Master of Social Work (MSW) and Counselling programmes, along with faculty and staff from the Amrita School of Social and Behavioural Sciences (SSBS), AMMACHI Labs, and the Center for Women’s Empowerment & Gender Equality, participated in the observance.

As part of the initiative, students and members of the campus community wore yellow as a symbol of support for suicide prevention. Classroom discussions provided opportunities for students to reflect on mental health and wellbeing, share personal experiences and listen to the experiences of others.

The day also included an activity focused on expressing kindness and support. Students wrote messages of encouragement and shared them with others across the campus. Yellow ribbons were prepared and distributed among students, faculty, staff, security personnel and members of the wider campus community, helping extend the message beyond the classroom.

A key component of the initiative was the introduction of students to Mano Layam – Rhythm of the Mind, Centre for Wellbeing, and its student volunteer community. The programme invited students to become actively involved in creating a more supportive and connected campus environment. Following the initiative, 30 students had already registered to join the student volunteer community.

The organisers emphasised that the conversations initiated on September 10 are intended to continue beyond World Suicide Prevention Day. As part of World Mental Health Month, Mano Layam will continue facilitating conversations and activities focused on mental and emotional wellbeing across campus.

The initiative seeks to create more opportunities for students and members of the Amrita community to connect, speak about their experiences, listen without judgement and seek appropriate support when needed.

The message at the heart of the observance was simple: checking in with someone can be an important first step. A question as simple as “Are you okay?” can open the door to a meaningful conversation and remind someone that they are not alone.

Through continued dialogue and community engagement, Mano Layam and its student volunteers aim to make mental and emotional wellbeing an integral part of everyday campus life.

Start the conversation. Sometimes, that is where it begins.