– Colonel R D Singh (retd) –
“ P’kula couple ends life by jumping before the train” – “ Suicide by daughter –in- law of Hry minister’s PA” – “ Jind youth who lost leg in mishap kills self after fiancée calls off marriage” – these are the headlines I was reading the other day in a leading national daily. Very recently, 11 members of a family hanged themselves. We hear of students committing suicides after the board results! What is this happening around us today? One thought that we were progressing as a society with an open mind 
and a strong social media. Didn’t some one say that the distances are narrowing down and we are fast becoming a global village. But killing self is no indication of increasing love or brotherhood. Death solves no problem. It is cowardice and self defeat. It reflects poor mental and emotional health. In our country, every year we lose nearly 1.5 lac precious lives due to suicides, which is about 17 percent of the world wide cases. India has the highest number of suicides among the youth ( roughly one student commits suicide every hour). Add to it the cases of ‘ attempted suicides’ and unreported deaths.
The suicide cases are not only from the under privileged class, farmers, and the youth, but also well to do and educated people – police men, professors, bankers, businessmen, property dealers etc. Sadly, there have been few cases in the armed forces also which should be last place for escapism. No wonder, India stands 133rd in the world happiness index.
The primary reason for the increasing suicides is mental weakness of the victims, triggered by domestic and work place tension. It is also an outcome of our diminishing social and economic support system ( break down of joint families and urbanization). The materialistic desires of people have increased, and faith in relationships is breaking down. People who resort to taking their own lives are generally mentally and psychologically weak, unable to cope up with today’s stress and pressures. The cell phone has become an instrument of passing tensions. One sees young and grown ups, all glued to it the whole day. If your wife is going to give you a running commentary of your child’s sickness, his/her low marks in tests, house roof leaking, or fights with the in laws, how can the poor man concentrate on his job.
The answer lies in creating a positive environment of trust and well being . For that, foremost is good good communication with one another. Family of each man / woman, who is mentally weak and disturbed, is generally aware of it. They should talk to the person concerned, and nip the evil in the bud. Why allow the worries and tension to grow? As parents, we must regularly interact with our children, and see that they speak out and share their worries. Why are we burdening them with undue expectations? It is teachers / counselors and parents who can play a vital role in making children strong and happy. Schools and colleges should include mental health as part of their curriculum. We must warn our children and youth against substance abuse, and help them to keep away from drugs and alcohol. The combination of the two is deadly. Children will listen to us only if we set a personal example. These children, once they grow up, would then face their life head on, and be less likely to commit suicide.
As regards employees/ elders who are weak, their seniors in work places must keep a track of their behavior and inform the family members. A timely advice can avert an unfortunate tragedy. The bosses in corporate sectors need to be empathetic and kind towards their staff. We should stop burning out our young men and women by dangling a carrot in front of them.
Lets create a healthy and supportive environment, be it home or office. Lets connect to nature, and enjoy family time, learning to be content with God’s blessings. Lets also not be a slave to our smart phone, and start living in the real world. Life is beautiful – it is for living, and not hanging.
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About the Author
Colonel R D Singh (retd)
Author & Social Worker
Colonel R D Singh is a Georgian from the King Georges School, Belgaum, and he did BA ( Hons) from the DAV College Chandigarh. He is MSc( Def Studies), PGDCST, BEd, Diploma in Management, and a Gold Medalist in debating from the Punjab University in 1972 – 73.The officer is also a prolific writer, and his articles are published in news papers and magazines.
The officer has had an outstanding army career. He commanded 48 Armoured Regiment and has been a Directing Staff ( Instructor) at the prestigious DSSC, Wellington, from 1998 to 2001. Highly decorated, after his 38 years of meritorious army service, the officer retired in 2012. Now, the officer is committed to social work. He is a Life Member of INTACH, and star blood donor ( 95 donations). For his outstanding contribution to the voluntary blood donation movement, he has been awarded by the Vice President of India in 2003, and the Governor of Haryana in
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Disclaimer: The views expressed by the author in this feature are entirely his own and do not necessarily reflect the views of INVC NEWS
