In collaboration with: Smt. M.M.P. Shah Women’s College, Mumbai & St. Xavier’s College, Goa The fourth session of the Voices of Life Lecture Series, organized by IALSE in observance of World Suicide Prevention Day, focused on the theme “Strengthening Life Skills for Resilience and Suicide Prevention.” The event aimed to promote mental well-being through life skills and community awareness.
Dr. A. Radhakrishnan Nair, President of IALSE, emphasized that suicide prevention is a shared societal responsibility, highlighting the importance of emotional regulation, empathy, and effective communication in fostering resilience.
Dr. Avinash Desouza, Consultant Psychiatrist and Founder Trustee of the Desouza Foundation, delivered the keynote address. He discussed the importance of developing Adversity Quotient (AQ) alongside IQ and EQ, and identified six key domains of resilience — composure, reasoning, health, tenacity, optimism, and collaboration. He urged educational institutions to integrate resilience-building into daily learning and to break the stigma around mental health.
An interactive Q&A session addressed practical strategies for educators, parents, and communities to support those at risk, encouraging open conversations, early intervention, and compassionate reintegration after crisis. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Archana Patki, reaffirming the collective commitment to youth mental health and resilience.
This session underscored a powerful message — every life matters, and suicide can be prevented through awareness, empathy, and education.