Together for Change: Capturing the Essence of 'Lights On' 

"Lights On" – A Seminar on Suicide Prevention

The "Lights On" event, hosted at Christ University, gathered professionals and scholars to discuss one of the most pressing issues of our time: suicide prevention. This event, which brought together individuals from various fields, explored the ethical, psychological, and legal dimensions of suicide and suicide prevention, with a special focus on creating systemic change in educational institutions. The event's speakers included Dr. Shampa Dev from the School of Law, Dr. Nambiar, and Dr. Aneesh from NIMHANS. Together, they illuminated both the historical context and modern-day challenges in suicide prevention.

Conceptualizing Suicide and the Value of Life

The event began with Dr. Shampa Dev setting the stage by exploring the relationship between life, suicide, and religion. She drew upon multiple philosophical and legal concepts, introducing the audience to the Japanese tradition of Seppuku and its Indian counterpart, Sati. Both practices historically permitted suicide under specific cultural contexts, highlighting the deep-rooted cultural perceptions of life and death.

One of the most compelling legal discussions centered on Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which protects the right to life. Dr. Shampa underscored that life is not only about existence but also about a life free from pain. She referenced the case of Maruti Sripathi Dubal, in which the Supreme Court acknowledged that the right to life could also encompass a right to die under certain circumstances. However, subsequent cases, such as Gyan Kaur’s, led the court to reverse this stance, reinforcing that the right to life does not necessarily imply a right to die, and especially not in cases of abetment to suicide. The complexities surrounding these legal precedents were a significant focus of the discussion.

Dr. Shampa further emphasized the importance of human dignity and autonomy in addressing mental health, laying the groundwork for the conversations that followed. She noted that Article 115, which pertains to punishing those who attempt suicide unless proven to have acted under stress, was a pivotal point in the evolving understanding of mental health and legal responses to suicide.

Dr. Nambiar's Heartfelt Story and Systemic Insights

One of the most moving moments of the event came from Dr. Nambiar, who shared the tragic story of his son, Ashwin, who died by suicide. His personal experience added a layer of emotional depth to the event, reminding everyone that suicide affects not only the individual but also families and communities. Dr. Nambiar emphasized that suicide is often not a desire to end life but a desperate attempt to end unbearable pain. He also touched on the systemic failures that can contribute to this tragedy, urging institutions to do more.

He highlighted that 70% of suicide attempts eventually lead to a successful suicide, a staggering statistic that underscored the urgency of prevention strategies. Dr. Nambiar’s insights led to a broader discussion on how institutions, especially educational institutions, must take an active role in prevention. This includes adopting reformative codes of conduct and ensuring disciplinary proceedings are compassionate and supportive, rather than punitive.

The Role of Mental Health Professionals and Broader Systemic Change

Dr. Aneesh, a psychiatrist, expanded on the conceptualization of suicide from a psychological perspective. He emphasized that suicide is a multifaceted phenomenon that involves psychological, social, and systemic factors. As mental health professionals, it is crucial to adopt a broader perspective that includes resource scarcity, unemployment, and familial pressure as contributing factors to suicide.

Dr. Aneesh also discussed the importance of safety planning in emergency settings. Confidentiality cannot always be maintained in emergency rooms, but addressing suicidal ideation in such settings is essential. He introduced the concept of the National Suicide Prevention Strategy, which aims to bring suicide prevention efforts to PHCs (Primary Health Centres) and CHCs (Community Health Centres) across the country. According to Dr. Aneesh, hospitals and paramedical teams should be trained not just to treat but to listen empathetically and avoid dismissive or hurtful statements such as, "You're going to die anyway."

A Call for Compassionate Suicide Prevention

Both Dr. Nambiar and Dr. Aneesh underscored that suicide prevention should focus on the individual’s pain rather than simply preventing the act. Empathy, active listening, and building connections were highlighted as essential tools in preventing suicide. Dr. Nambiar reiterated the importance of identifying the golden window, the critical moment where intervention can save lives.

An innovative suggestion was made to shift the language surrounding suicide prevention, replacing it with terms like emotional regulation, maturity, and life skills. These terms emphasize resilience and growth rather than focusing on the act of suicide itself, which could reduce the stigma and make prevention efforts more effective.

Institutional Responsibility and Universal Suicide Prevention

Dr. Shampa returned to the stage to emphasize that suicide prevention must be a universal concern, not just the responsibility of mental health professionals. Educational institutions play a pivotal role in this, particularly in ensuring that students' transitions from school to university are smooth. The first year of college, a time when students often face new pressures, is crucial for setting up support systems and "exit options" that allow for open communication and mental health care.

Human dignity and autonomy were reiterated as central principles in these discussions. Autonomy refers to an individual’s right to make decisions about their own life, while heteronomy involves external influences on those decisions. Both concepts were discussed in relation to Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code, which once criminalized suicide attempts but has since evolved.

A Powerful Performance and Final Thoughts

The event concluded with a poignant performance by Neetu Rana and her team, who had traveled from Delhi to Bangalore. The play showcased the importance of recognizing suicidal tendencies and outlined where individuals can seek help. This visual representation of the struggles faced by those considering suicide, coupled with the information shared throughout the day, left a lasting impression on the audience.

Conclusion: Towards a Compassionate Future

The "Lights On" event successfully brought attention to the multifaceted issue of suicide, emphasizing the need for a compassionate, empathetic approach in all sectors of society. From the legal intricacies discussed by Dr. Shampa Dev to the personal and systemic insights shared by Dr. Nambiar and Dr. Aneesh, it was clear that suicide prevention requires not just individual efforts but a broader societal commitment. Institutions, families, and communities must work together to create an environment where life’s pain can be addressed without resorting to self-harm.

Ultimately, the message was clear: suicide prevention is everyone’s business. Through empathy, understanding, and systemic reform, we can build a world where no one feels that suicide is their only option.