Maligaon, Sept 11: Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) observed World Suicide Prevention Day at its Central Hospital, Maligaon, by organising an awareness programme on 10th September, 2026. Doctors, nursing and paramedical staff, teachers, parents, nursing students, patients and other hospital personnel participated in the programme, which focused on suicide prevention and the importance of timely psychological support.
Inaugurating the programme, Dr. B.P. Deka, Medical Director, emphasised that suicide prevention is a shared social responsibility. Drawing upon everyday situations and references from the popular film 3 Idiots, he highlighted the importance of being attentive, understanding and supportive towards individuals experiencing emotional distress.
During the academic sessions, Dr. Anamika Phukan, Psychiatrist, spoke on the theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide” and discussed common myths, prevalence, risk factors, and national and global suicide trends. She also highlighted government initiatives such as Tele-MANAS and Manodarpan. Ms. Shatakshi Mishra, Clinical Psychologist, explained how psychological distress and early warning signs may remain unnoticed until reaching a critical stage.
She stressed early recognition, timely intervention, empathetic responses and effective communication at home, school and the workplace. Nursing students from Mirza Institute of Nursing also presented an awareness skit on emotional distress, warning signs and the importance of offering appropriate support.
The programme concluded with remarks by Dr. Madhavi Garlosa Boro, Chief Staff Surgeon, who reiterated the importance of recognising distress early, listening without judgement, extending support and connecting affected individuals with appropriate professional help. The initiative reflected NFR’s commitment to promoting mental-health awareness and fostering a compassionate and responsive environment across its establishments.
