Aamir Khan has been roped in by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for a campaign to stop suicides. In the background of the surge of suicides in the city, the BMC and the Bombay Psychiatry Society (BPS) have initiated a workshop to identify signs of depression in children. The workshop called Life is Beautiful, is meant for teachers at all BMC schools where 4.5 lakh children are studying at the moment.
Dr Sanjay Oak, dean, KEM hospital told, “Students like Aamir’s personality. He makes movies with strong social messages.
Aamir Khan told, “Yes, I have been approached by the BMC and will be a part of their campaign Life is Beautiful.”
Psychiatrist Dr Harish Shetty told, “Statements like ‘I want to run away’ or ‘I have lost interest in work’ indicate suicidal tendencies. These children need to be identified by the teacher and counseled. If need be they can be referred to a psychiatrist.” Every Friday the workshop will educate teachers on identifying suicidal tendencies and immediate counseling for such children.
Dr Oak, told, “Initially we aim to training BMC teachers, however private school teachers are also welcome to be a part of this work shop.”
The BMC will flash the helpline 25706000, on TV and newspapers for the benefit of distressed students. The teachers will be trained by the psychiatry department at KEM, Sion and Nair hospital along with a psychiatrist from the BPS.
