AIIMS Delhi and Galgotias University Observe World Suicide Prevention Day

New Delhi, September 10, 2025 — All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi, in collaboration with the Galgotias University, observed World Suicide Prevention Day with a high-level event that brought together policymakers, mental health experts, academicians, and motivational leaders.

As part of the event, AIIMS Delhi launched “Never Alone”, an AI-based mental health and wellness program designed to address the rising concern of student suicides and promote greater awareness around mental health in India.

The initiative provides 24/7 access to virtual and offline consultations with mental health experts through a secure, web-based app accessible via WhatsApp. It also offers personalized screening tools for just 70 paise per student per day for institutions with 5,000 students, making professional care both affordable and accessible.

The program was formally unveiled in the presence of distinguished dignitaries:

• Prof. Dr. Vinod K. Paul, Member, NITI Aayog (Chief Guest)
• Prof. Dr. M. Srinivas, Director, AIIMS Delhi
• Dr. (Prof.) K.K. Verma, Dean Academics, Galgotias University
• Dr. (Prof.) Pratap Sharan, Head, Department of Psychiatry, AIIMS Delhi
• Sreerupa Mitra, MLA, West Bengal & Member of Standing Committee on Home Affairs
• Shrenik Shah, Global TEDx Speaker & Guinness World Record Holder
• Suneel Galgotia, Chancellor of Galgotias University
• Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO of Galgotias University

Adding a global perspective, Dr. Deepak Chopra, renowned wellness advocate and founder of The Chopra Foundation, joined the event virtually to share his message on the importance of compassion and collective responsibility in addressing mental health challenges.

Highlighting the urgency of the program, Dr. Nand Kumar, Professor of Psychiatry at AIIMS and organiser of the initiative, said:

“According to the NCRB, more than 1.7 lakh people died by suicide in 2022, with young adults between 18–30 years forming 35% of the cases. Our mission is to minimise stigma and create safe spaces where mental health is treated with the same urgency and dignity as physical health.”

The broader vision of the initiative is embodied in the SPEAK campaign (Suicide Prevention through Empathy, Awareness, and Knowledge), which encourages dialogue, empathy, and early intervention.

This year’s theme, “Changing the Narrative, Starting the Conversation,” underscored the event, reminding participants that prevention begins with understanding, and understanding begins with listening.

The event concluded with a joint call from AIIMS Delhi and Galgotias University to strengthen awareness, foster compassion, and ensure timely support for mental health — so that no student ever feels alone.