AHMEDABAD, 10th September 2026 — Marking World Suicide Prevention Day 2026, Smt. N. M. Padalia Pharmacy College hosted a landmark Mental Health Awareness Programme under the Mind Strong Gujarat initiative, commemorating the milestone 40th institutional visit of Youth Ambassador Shri Vidit Sharma, with special national recognition and highlighting leadership participation
A Powerful Gathering for Mental Health Advocacy
Smt. N. M. Padalia Pharmacy College witnessed a powerful convergence of youth empowerment, mental health advocacy, and community solidarity today. The high-profile event carried heightened significance by serving as the milestone 40th institutional visit of Shri Vidit Sharma, Youth Ambassador, Government of Gujarat.
The assembly brought together eminent dignitaries, including Shri Maganbhai Patel, Patron, and Dr. Jitendra Bhangale, Principal, alongside a deeply engaged audience of students and faculty members. Beautifully hosted by Prof. Suraj Chauhan, the programme commenced with the traditional ceremonial lamp lighting—a poignant symbol of dispersing the darkness of despair with the enduring light of knowledge, positivity, and hope.
Highlighting Key Leadership & Special Participation
A special highlight of today’s historic 40th milestone gathering was the prominent recognition and active involvement of you, whose dedicated presence and contribution significantly amplified the event’s mission to champion mental well-being and youth leadership under the Mind Strong Gujarat framework.
Addressing the Global Crisis & Speaking Up
The focal point of the day was an electrifying yet deeply empathetic keynote address by Youth Ambassador Shri Vidit Sharma. Addressing a staggering global reality—where World Health Organization (WHO) data indicates that more than 720,000 people die by suicide globally every year, making it the third leading cause of death among young people aged 15 to 29—Shri Sharma emphasized that silence is our biggest adversary.
Drawing from his massive statewide outreach through the Mind Strong Gujarat movement, he engaged the student community in a candid dialogue on emotional resilience and breaking the social stigma surrounding mental health. His session heavily reinforced the core pillars of the campaign: championing an absolute ‘No to Drugs’ and ‘No to Suicide’ culture while fostering campuses where young people feel safe seeking psychological support.
A key message underscored during the interactions was the critical need to speak up when emotions feel suffocating: ‘When thoughts feel heavy and you experience that suffocating sense of isolation, never carry the weight alone. Communicate—reach out to a friend, a family member, or a professional. Simply saying “I am going through a tough time” can completely change your path.’
Oath Ceremony & Conclusion
Reinforcing their collective resolve, the session transitioned into a solemn oath-taking ceremony, where students and faculty collectively pledged to prioritize mental well-being, extend active support to peers in distress, and build a more empathetic society.
The event successfully concluded with a gracious Vote of Thanks delivered by Prof. Foram Patel, followed by a resonant rendition of the National Anthem and an inspiring commemorative photo session. This landmark 40th visit under the Mind Strong Gujarat umbrella further cements Smt. N. M. Padalia Pharmacy College’s unwavering dedication to shaping mentally robust, socially conscious healthcare professionals of tomorrow.
