Some conversations are harder to start than others, but they’re often the ones that matter most. On 10th September 2026, World Suicide Prevention Day, our Suicide Prevention Cell chose to start exactly that conversation, organising an orientation lecture on “Mental Health & Well-Being” for students at Room No. 24. The session was led by Dr. Asha Ambani, our College Counsellor, who brought both expertise and warmth to a topic students don’t always find easy to talk about.

Why This Conversation Needed to Happen

College life comes with its own pressures: academics, deadlines, relationships, and the quiet comparisons that creep in from social media. The orientation lecture was designed to help students recognise these pressures for what they are, and to build the tools to handle them. Rather than treating mental health as a side issue, the session placed it where it belongs, alongside physical health, as something every student needs to actively care for.

A Simple Analogy With a Lasting Point

Dr. Ambani opened with an idea that stuck: think of a person like a car, with the engine representing the mind and the driver representing conscious choice. External markers, like appearance, qualifications and achievements, matter, she explained, but they mean little without the inner strength to use them well. Students also explored the difference between aptitude, attitude and altitude, learning that while aptitude reflects ability, attitude, how we respond to challenges and people, often shapes outcomes far more.

Understanding Emotional Intelligence

A significant part of the session focused on Emotional Intelligence, or EQ: the ability to understand and manage one’s own emotions, build empathy, and maintain healthy relationships. Students were encouraged to question their own thoughts rather than accept them automatically, learning that a thought is not necessarily a fact. That distinction, Dr. Ambani noted, can make a real difference when managing stress. The discussion also touched on social media, with students urged to engage with it mindfully and to avoid comparing their own lives to the curated versions others post online.

Building Resilience, One Habit at a Time

Resilience was a central theme throughout. Students learned practical, everyday ways to strengthen it, including yoga, meditation and pranayama, regular physical activity, consistent sleep, strong personal relationships, hobbies, and better time management. Equally important was the idea that setbacks and failures aren’t the end of the story. They’re often where real learning begins, and treating them that way can change how students respond to challenges going forward.

The Message We Want Every Student to Carry

Perhaps the most important takeaway from the session was this: asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Students were reminded that support is always available, whether from family, friends, teachers, mentors, or the college counsellor, and that reaching out early can make all the difference. The session closed with a message we hope every student carries with them: “Reach Out. Talk. Seek Support. You Matter.”

A Commitment That Goes Beyond One Lecture

This orientation lecture reflects a larger commitment at Hinduja College: building a campus where mental health is treated with the same seriousness as academic success. Our Suicide Prevention Cell continues to work toward an environment where students feel safe acknowledging their struggles and confident in seeking support, because a thriving college community starts with students who feel genuinely supported.

Your well-being matters as much as your academic journey. Connect with the Hinduja College Suicide Prevention Cell to learn more about available support and upcoming sessions.