Mysuru: Mysuru City Traffic ACP M. Shivashankar has said that there is an increasing tendency among distressed people to contemplate suicide and stressed the need to create greater awareness among citizens on suicide prevention.

He was speaking after inaugurating a programme held at the People’s Park Auditorium recently to mark World Suicide Prevention Day. The programme was jointly organised by Viveka Arogya Samsthe, Inner Wheel Club of Mysore and People’s Park Central Library.

“Human life is precious and we are lucky to be born into this world. Instead of experiencing life to the fullest, we are wasting it in the pursuit of fame, wealth and status. A person inclined towards spirituality can lead a balanced life with good mental and physical health. Such healthy persons will not waste their valuable lives or think of ending them prematurely by suicide,” he said.

“We must learn to live in the present instead of thinking about the past or worrying about the future. Accepting life as it is will help keep social evils away,” said the ACP.

Ramesh Narasaiah, Member of the City Central Library Authority and retired Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax, who presided, said everyone must maintain good physical and mental health.

“If suicidal tendencies are noticed among fellow citizens, people should instil confidence in them and motivate them to give up such thoughts,” he said.

Viveka Arogya Samsthe President Arun Kumar spoke about the steps taken by the organisation to create awareness on suicide prevention.

Neuropsychologist Dr. P. Vasu and Psychologist Chitralekha delivered special lectures.

City Central Library Deputy Director B. Manjunath, North Zone City Central Library Deputy Director H. Chandrashekar, members of the Inner Wheel Club of Mysore and others were present.