Bhubaneswar: A special program titled “Jeevan Zindabad” will be launched at all district headquarters across Odisha from September 10 to address the rising cases of suicide among youth, particularly college students.
The initiative, aimed at spreading awareness and instilling hope, will involve students from schools and colleges as well as young people from various walks of life.
More than 70 artists will participate in the campaign, which will feature cultural programs, workshops, and interactive sessions to promote mental health and resilience. The program is being jointly organized by the Women and Child Development Department, Home Department, and Higher Education Department.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj at Lok Seva Bhawan. The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, DGP Y B Khurania, Higher Education Commissioner-cum-Secretary Aravind Agrawal, and senior officials.
Speaking on the recent Vani Vihar incident, Minister Suraj said that the Vice-Chancellor has been instructed to take strict action as per law and university rules, whether the disruptions involve non-students or individuals creating an adverse academic environment.
On the issue of student union elections, the Minister reaffirmed that the government’s stance remains “positive,” noting that decisions will be taken keeping in mind the welfare of students and the need for campus discipline.
With “Jeevan Zindabad,” the government hopes to send a strong message that life must be cherished, support is available, and no difficulty is beyond overcoming.
