Youth workshop
80% DISABLED OMGURU SAYS SUCH FREE WORKSHOPS WILL BE ORGANIZED IN EVERY CITY
Anand, Gujarat: A large number of youngsters from diverse fields pledged not to commit suicide during a special workshop on mental well-being organised recently in Anand by Ahmedabad-based a voluntary organisation.
The workshop, titled "Mantra Therapy Darbar for Mental Well-Being," was conducted by the organisation's founder Pritesh Shah (called Omguru), 49, who has been 90% physically challenged since the age of 11.
The workshop comes against the backdrop of rising concern over suicides in India. According to the latest data released by the NCRB, India recorded over 1.7 lakh suicide deaths in 2024, translating to nearly 467 deaths every day or roughly one every three minutes. Mental health experts say emotional distress caused by relationship breakdowns, financial burden, academic pressure, addiction and social isolation continues to be a major concern, especially among the youth, highlighting the urgent need for counselling, emotional support and awareness initiatives.
The number of suicide cases, especially among the youth, is rising. This trend is not good for a developed India," Omguru told reporters. He has been conducting similar workshops across cities in Gujarat.
Organisers said the workshop goes beyond asking participants to take a pledge against suicide. Those attending are also offered counselling and therapy through discussions, dialogues and spiritual discourses aimed at strengthening their mental resilience and helping them face life's challenges with confidence.The workshops are completely free. We do not even keep a donation box. Our resolve is simple - for Viksit Bharat, we need our youth to be mentally and physically strong," said Omguru, a President's Award recipient for his work towards the upliftment of persons with disabilities.
The workshop also focused extensively on de-addiction and the growing menace of drug abuse, with discussions on how mental strength, self-belief and community support can help young people overcome addiction and emotional crises.
