Nellai dist cops launch drive to sensitise youths on V-Day fete

Madurai: The Tirunelveli district police have launched a weeklong initiative — ‘Kaadhal Pannunga - Ungalai Kaadhaliyungal' — to raise awareness about suicidal thoughts, marking the Valentine's Day celebrations.The initiative, organized with the district education and social welfare departments, aims to guide students towards a positive path by addressing the emotional complexities of adolescence before they make impulsive or harmful decisions. Under the guidance of district superintendent of police V Prassanna Kumar, the initiative will run from Feb 9 to Feb 14, focusing on the idea that while attraction is a natural while growing up, it must be handled with maturity to protect one's future. Police teams are visiting schools and colleges to conduct morning and evening sessions to discuss psychological hurdles, the importance of education, and the healthy expression of emotions, Venkatraman Murugan, social media coordinator for Tirunelveli district police, said.He said police officials will also discuss about sex education and various physical and mental changes that occur during puberty. The outreach involves training headmasters, orientation for police officers, and sessions for parents and self-help group members. Dr Ashok, a child psychology expert from Erode, will counsel and advise students, he added.SP Prassanna Kumar told TOI, "Last year, a few young people tried to end their lives close to Valentine's Day. This triggered us to launch the initiative to curtail such incidents. The aim is to sensitise students and youth and guide them on the right path in case of rejection of love proposals.""We are planning to produce short videos and conduct a flash mob to raise awareness on these issues. A nodal woman police officer is designated for each school and college in the district. They will be the first responders in case any students attempt to end life," he added.He stated that beyond emotional guidance, the sessions provide critical information on staying away from substance abuse and understanding the legal protections offered under the Pocso Act. The initiative will be continued after Feb 14. (Assistance for those having suicidal thoughts is available on TN's health helpline 104 and Sneha's suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050)