Pune-based Connecting Trust to celebrate 2 decades of suicide prevention

Indian Express

7 hours ago

Pune-based NGO Connecting Trust, which works to prevent suicide, is marking its 20th anniversary this year.
Speaking about how she got the idea of setting up Connecting Trust, Founding Trustee Arnavaz Damania, 87, said, 'I had lost a very precious person in my own family to suicide, and each of us was grappling with our own pain and trauma. I was scared of my own thoughts and knew I had to find a way to heal in order to face the reality of what had happened. In that process, I began to wonder – how could I support other mothers, grandmothers, or aunts going through similar pain? Was there a space that could be created where people could express their grief and struggles openly with the hope of preventing future suicides?'
Thereafter, this Shiv Chhatrapati awardee, who has made significant contributions to promote women's hockey, dedicated herself to creating supportive and emotionally nurturing spaces for those in distress.
'Twenty years ago, talking about suicide or mental health was a real taboo. We were often told that the older generation could not understand the struggles of the youth, and they would not be able to help. But I refused to accept defeat. I decided to take action.
'What I started may have been just a drop in the ocean, but it has led to meaningful change, and we have been able to gather tremendous support along the way. The journey has had its ups and downs, and I often speak at sessions appealing that unless one is willing to climb the hill, he/she will never witness the beauty at the top. You cannot let the muck around bury you – rise above it,' Damania said, adding that their organisation was one with a big heart.
According to Pranita Madkaikar, Chief Executive Officer, Connecting Trust, all their projects were volunteer-driven and funded by generous individuals, corporations, and institutions.
On August 23, a special gathering will be organised for the volunteers and supporters of Connecting Trust.
A special performance of actor Boman Irani's Class Act will be held on October 4 as part of the anniversary celebrations, apart from a candlelight march on October 11, 'in remembrance of those lost to suicide and to create awareness on the issue.' Another key highlight of the anniversary celebrations is an international conference focusing on various dimensions of suicide prevention to be held from November 28-30.
A volunteer said more than 14 lakh persons have been assisted as part of their outreach programs. 'Connecting Trust's distress helplines 9922004305/9922001122 have been accessed by more than four lakh persons in the last 15 years. The suicide survivors' program has helped connect with 50,000 families, and as part of the peer educator program, students from 8-10 different schools are equipped to primarily check for their distress and coping strategies,' he added.