Archive · 11 Sep 2026
Justice Rai Urges Compassion in Suicide Prevention Efforts
Justice Meenakshi Madan Rai spoke to prisoners about suicide prevention and mental health.
She said people should talk openly about these problems.
She asked everyone to show kindness instead of blame or shame.
She explained that depression can have warning signs.
She encouraged inmates to seek help from psychologists and psychiatrists.
She also said mental illnesses need care just like physical illnesses.
The programme took place on World Suicide Prevention Day.
Officials also discussed legal help, reporting rights violations and preparing inmates to return to society.
Justice Meenakshi Madan Rai urged society to replace stigma and judgment around suicide with compassion, understanding and hope.
She spoke at a suicide-prevention awareness programme held at State Central Prison, Rongyek, on World Suicide Prevention Day.
Justice Rai encouraged inmates to recognise depression and use psychological and psychiatric services available through the Sikkim State Legal Services Authority.
She said mental-health conditions should be treated as seriously as physical illnesses and can be managed with appropriate care and treatment.
Suraj Chettri highlighted human-rights protections, urged inmates to report violations and promoted rehabilitation and skill development.
- Who
- Justice Meenakshi Madan Rai, Suraj Chettri and inmates at State Central Prison.
- What
- An awareness programme addressed suicide prevention, mental health, human rights and rehabilitation.
- When
- World Suicide Prevention Day, observed on September 10; the year was not specified.
- Where
- State Central Prison, Rongyek, Sikkim.
- Why
- To reduce stigma around suicide and mental-health challenges, encourage access to care and promote inmates’ rights and rehabilitation.
- Speaker
- Justice Meenakshi Madan Rai, Chairperson of the Sikkim State Human Rights Commission
- Event
- Awareness programme on suicide prevention
- Date
- World Suicide Prevention Day, September 10
- Location
- State Central Prison, Rongyek, Sikkim
- Mental-health support
- Psychologists and psychiatrists are available through the Sikkim State Legal Services Authority
- Legal assistance
- Justice Rai discussed appeals and para-legal services
- Rehabilitation
- Officials highlighted skill development and reintegration into society