At a time when the increasing number of suicides has become a major cause of concern, a group from Shatabdi Boys' Hostel of Allahabad University is facing a lot of criticism for organising a 'suicide letter-writing competition' as part of an annual festival, Udbodhan — The Awakening. Mumbai-based NGO, Sisters Living Works is one of those who spoke up against the event — Aakhri Alfaz (last words) and opposed the idea of trivialising a global health problem. However, "in order to avoid any further controversy", the organisers — fourth year Law students — have decided to cancel the event.

Surprisingly, this is not the first time the event is being held. One of the students from the organising team said it has been a part of the festival since it started eight years ago. "Students from previous batches came up with the idea of conducting the event and we decided to continue with it," said a student. He added that students were given the leeway to organise the event and neither the university administration nor the Shatabdi Boys' Hostel authority monitors it.