World Federation of Mental Health has declared 10th Oct 2006 as World Mental Health Day.

They have given a slogan for this year:
Building Awareness-Reducing Risk: Mental illness and Suicide

Nearly one million people of the world commit suicide every year. Ten times this number, that is one crore, attempt suicide. Suicide is one of the top ten causes of death, and is one of the top three causes in the younger age group between 15-34 years. In the 15-19 years age group (most college going are in this group), it is the second most important cause of death, second only to vehicular accidents.

20% of suicidal deaths in the world are from India. Which means nearly 2 lakh people in India die of suicide and 20 lakh attempt suicide every year.

Nearly 90% of those who commit suicide suffer from diagnosed/undiagnosed mental illnesses like depression, schizophrenia, or abuse of alcohol or drugs. All these are treatable conditions. So there is need to take care of mental health as we take care of physical health.

In developing countries like India, awareness of mental health and sickness is very poor. It is still considered a taboo. People either hide mental sickness or don't consider it a sickness at all.

Students and faculty of Joshi-Bedekar College have taken up this issue and are trying to create awareness, first in their own selves, and then in society.

We will have a Rally of our students along with faculty members, NCC Unit, NSS Students, students of the Scholars Academy, members of the Students Council, and other students of Junior and Senior College who will join this Rally.

Before we start our Rally, at 8.45 am, we will take a Pledge never to commit or attempt suicide, and always come to the help of someone we know who is in danger of committing it. Also, not to encourage suicidal thought in ourselves, and others. Rather than that, we will find ways to solve our difficulties by appropriate means. (See Pledge attached.)

We will go around the city on 10 Oct 2006, starting at 9.00 am, with posters and placards, to give information and bring about awareness on this issue in the citizens of Thane.