A boat rally organised by Shiva Youth Club in Diglipur on January 14 brought focus to suicide awareness and mental health concerns, as local youth and residents came together to highlight what organisers described as a growing social challenge in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The awareness programme was held along the coastal waters of Diglipur and witnessed active participation from villagers of Durgapur Ward No. 1 and Ward No. 2. Boats carrying banners and messages related to mental health and suicide prevention moved along the shoreline, drawing the attention of coastal communities and passersby.
The rally was formally flagged off by Vijay Kumar, Station House Officer of Diglipur Police Station, who acknowledged the role of community-led initiatives in addressing sensitive social issues. Organisers said the event was aimed at encouraging conversations around mental health and reducing the stigma associated with seeking help.
Members of Shiva Youth Club stated that the programme was organised in response to concerns over the increasing number of suicide cases reported from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. They referred to data from the National Crime Records Bureau indicating that the Union Territory has consistently recorded a high suicide rate compared to many other parts of the country, making the issue a matter of urgent public attention.
According to the organisers, the objective of the rally was to create awareness at the grassroots level and convey the message that suicide is preventable through timely support, understanding and community engagement. They emphasised the importance of recognising early signs of mental distress and encouraging individuals to reach out for help rather than suffering in silence.
The participation of local villagers was seen as a key element of the programme, reflecting community ownership of the issue. Residents from nearby wards joined the rally and supported the initiative, signalling a collective willingness to engage with mental health concerns that are often considered difficult to discuss openly.
Suicide and mental health have emerged as growing public health challenges across India, with experts pointing to a range of contributing factors including social isolation, economic stress, substance abuse and lack of access to mental health services. In island territories such as Andaman and Nicobar, geographic isolation and limited specialised healthcare facilities are often cited as additional challenges.
Community-based awareness initiatives have increasingly been viewed as an effective tool in bridging gaps in mental health outreach, particularly in remote and rural areas. By taking the message to the sea, the organisers aimed to reach a wider audience and use a visible, symbolic form of outreach to draw attention to the issue.
The rally also underscored the role of youth organisations in addressing social issues beyond conventional civic activities. Shiva Youth Club members indicated that they plan to continue working on awareness programmes related to mental health, substance abuse and social wellbeing, in collaboration with local authorities and community groups.
Police officials present at the event noted that public awareness and community support play a crucial role in suicide prevention efforts, alongside institutional mechanisms such as counselling services and helplines. They encouraged citizens to remain alert to signs of distress among family members, friends and neighbours.
While the rally was a one-day event, organisers said it was intended as part of a broader effort to keep the conversation on mental health alive in the community. They expressed hope that similar initiatives would be replicated in other parts of the islands to collectively address what they described as a pressing social concern.
The Diglipur rally added to a growing number of local initiatives in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands aimed at promoting mental wellbeing, signalling increased community engagement on an issue that has long remained under the shadows.
