KOLLAM: A village library in east Kallada here plans to conduct a campaign against suicides to arrest the rising number of suicide deaths in the place. During the past two decades, over 40 persons, including youths belonging to three wards in the village, have ended their lives. The KPP Union Library has constituted a communion of the villagers under the banner 'Athijeevanam' to help them face their problems and overcome the thoughts of suicide.
A seminar on 'mind and life' was organised by the library marking the beginning of the year-long campaign. "We were prompted to do this following the suicide of a 22-year-old youth recently," Mr Y. Baijumon, convenor of 'Athijeevanam,' told DC. The reasons for the suicides include the use of intoxicants, "getting inspired" from previous suicide and loneliness experienced by the aged. All the deaths have occurred in the wards of Thekkemuri, Muttom and Kochuplamoodu.
As a preliminary step, small communions of local residents, including those of pensioners, will be formed by the organisers. "The groups will be given activities beneficial to the public in general. Getting them engaged in solving social issues like environmental will also help them to be part of the mainstream, rather than being lonely within the four walls of their houses," Mr. Baijumon added. These groups will also be made aware of how others are affected by the suicides and how to lead a happy life by avoiding negative thoughts.
