Interviewees


It was nice to meet you all...

Academics | Researchers | Therapists | Community Organisations | Spiritual Advisors | Homemakers | Farmers |  Students | Mothers | Grandmothers | Widows | Young people

Born and bred UK students don't want to mix up with international students from Punjab. My other friend from another University said the same. We are seen as being from a lower standard but we are from the same community. 

Case A

International student
the CHURCHILL fellowship
Bengaluru


Dr Amandeep Singh

Psychotherapist · Assistant Professor · Counsellor · Postdoctoral Researcher · Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Assistant Professor of Psychology in the Department of Liberal Arts Humanities and Social Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Bengaluru. 

Karoge Gal, Milega Hal.
Talking is healing.
These words do seem very easy to say but yet very difficult to practice. People who are suicidal aren’t able to talk about it because of the stigma that we have in our society. Please do reach out to others for help. Suicide isn’t a solution. It’s a cry for help.
Dr Amandeep Singh

Dr Amandeep Singh · Community Psychologist and Suicide Prevention Researcher
Interview with Dr Amandeep Singh in Bengaluru
Six Thinking Dupatta Skills MAHE-BLR
MAHE Bengaluru
Dr Amandeep Singh works as an Assistant Professor at the Department of Liberal Arts Humanities and Social Sciences, MAHE Bengaluru and is a suicide prevention researcher. Dr Amandeep Singh was a Senior Research Fellow on the national project 'Addressing Farmers' Suicide through Capacity Building of Farming Families'. Supported by National Agricultural Scientific Research (NASF) and Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) he worked with distressed farmers of Punjab, Maharashtra, and Telangana. 
Bengaluru


Nelson Vinod Moses

Suicide Prevention India Foundation (SPIF) · QPR Institute India

Founder of Suicide Prevention India Foundation | Founder and CEO at QPR Institute India

We should wake up to the fact that the burden of non-stop caregiving, loss of identity, and not enough support from family or friends is a serious mental health issue. Moreover, there needs to be a change in how society treats women.
Dr Amandeep Singh

Nelson V. Moses · Founder of Suicide Prevention India Foundation · Founder & CEO at QPR Institute India
Interview with Nelson Moses Bengaluru
DW.com Made for Minds
Suicide Prevention India Foundation

Suicide Prevention India Foundation (SPIF) is a Bangalore-based not-for-profit that is being incubated at IIM-Bangalore. "Our mission is to reduce suicide using evidence-based interventions and leveraging the power of the community. We do this through awareness creation and by using a World Health Organisation-recommended suicide prevention strategy called Gatekeeper Training."

QPR Institute India 

SPIF has a partnership with QPR Institute as a world leader in suicide prevention training. They have trained close to three million Gatekeepers since its inception in 1999 and are present in 800 colleges globally. They save lives and reduce suicidal behaviours by providing innovative, practical and proven suicide prevention training. "We believe that quality education empowers all people, regardless of their background, to make a positive difference in the life of someone they know."
Bengaluru


Vikram Singh

English FA and AIFF Licenced Football Coach · Founder of EqO Sports F.C Football Academy · Begur  

Coach facilitating football development supporting the holistic health and wellbeing of young people. 

Don't aspire to be the best on the team. Aspire to be the best for the team. Sport allows you to make mistakes and learn from them. Team-building, a positive mindset attitude and self-reflection helps young players build their confidence in a safe space.  
Vikram Singh

Vikram Singh · English FA & AIFF Coach at EqO Sports F.C 
Interview with Vikram Singh in Bengaluru
EqO Sports FC 

Mind-Body philosophy- EqO Sports F.C

Having worked with all-girl teams and mixed gender groups, Vikram believes in the importance of player and parental inclusion, particularly in the development of mental and physical health. He tailors his sessions with a focus on parental presence and discusses the psychological impact of inclusion during this crucial period of childhood. Young people with differing developmental needs learn how to foster resilience, social and communication skills, emotional regulation and self-reflection with the support from all responsible adults.
the CHURCHILL fellowship
Delhi


Gurdwara Sri Bangla Sahib

Sikh Gurdwara delivering basic humanitarian needs · voluntarily run · healthcare provider

The Gurudwara is named after Guru Harkishan Sahib, the eighth Sikh guru. While it is one of the most important places of worship for the Sikh community in India, it is also much more than just a religious monument. It has a great historical, social and cultural significance, having witnessed and participated in various socio-political instances in the capital. People from the deprived sections make their way here to seek food and shelter. The fact that this place aids the survival of many strengthens its glory (Delhi Tourism.com 2023).
Dr Amandeep Singh

Gurdwara Sri Bangla Sahib  Delhi · Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib Delhi
Interview with Dr Amandeep Singh in Bengaluru
Dasvandh network DSGMC

Sikh-led community space | volunteers | langar

The Concept of Woman. The Gurus held woman in high esteem. So with the rise of Sikhism, woman gained in dignity and social position. Some ancient scriptures denounced woman as unworthy of teaching or religious exercises. Woman was regarded as evil and unclean. Guru Nanak Sahib Ji challenged this view: "Why should we treat woman with contempt and cruelty? A woman is not to be condemned on the ground of her sex." Guru Granth Sahib Ji says:

"Of a woman we are conceived,
Of a woman we are born,
To a woman we are betrothed and married,
It is a woman who is a friend and partner of life,
It is a woman who keeps the race going,
Why should we consider women cursed and condemned,
When from woman are born leaders and rulers."
(Rag Asa, I)

Religious gatherings and Kirtan (a musical form of narration or shared recitation) were thrown open to women. They could participate on equal terms with men in temporal and secular observances. Bhai Gurdas ji, the veteran Sikh theologian affirmed "Woman is man’s other half, and as such, helps him in attaining to salvation." Guru Hargobind Sahib called woman "the conscience of man.” Khande di Pahul (Amrit) is obligatory both for man and woman. The rules of conduct and the sphere of religious duties are identical both for man and woman. In religious meetings, men and women sing and lecture like equals. Guru Amardas Sahib condemned the practice of widow-burning (Sati): He said, “They are not satis who burn themselves with the dead bodies of their husbands. Those are real Satis who die of the mere shock of separation from their husbands.” Thus the equality of sexes is emphasized in Sikhism.

Extract taken from Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (dsgmc.in)
Delhi


Sanjana Jain

Mental Health- Facilitator · Researcher and Social Worker · Initiating change through community led action  

Project Outlive is a suicide prevention program for young adults in India

It makes me very happy to be a part of Outlive and launch a facilitator training programme for young people. I started facilitating back in 2015, and at that time no one around me understood the term ‘facilitation’.
Sanjana Jain

Sanjana Jain - Sangath · Outlive 
Sangath.in
Click here 

Outlive Youth-led programmes 

Outlive is a four-year (2020-2024) suicide prevention programme jointly implemented by the Centre for Mental Health Law & Policy, Indian Law Society (ILS), Sangath and Quicksand Design Studio
Outlive addresses urban youth suicide in India and engages young people aged 18-24 in project events. The focus on suicide prevention has been targeted for communities in Delhi, Mumbai and Pune.
the CHURCHILL fellowship
Punjab


 Dr Sarabjeet Singh

 Professor of Journalism at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana  · Researcher · Academic

Project Utshah - in collaboration with Harprit Kaur and Associates

It needs to be understood that at times a farmer under a debt of Rs 2 lakh shows a tendency to end his life, while another under a debt of Rs 10 lakh does not. Till now the issue of farmer suicide was being looked at only from economic and agricultural angles. We have looked at it from behavioural, psychological and cultural perspectives in addition to the earlier two.
Dr Sarabjeet Singh

Dr Sarabjeet Singh · Professor of Journalism 
Interview with Dr Sarabjeet Singh in Punjab
DTE DTE 2
Utshah project 

A study focusing on identifying vulnerable farmers in Punjab, Maharashtra and Telangana, the three states that experience high rate of suicide in India. Punjab Agricultural University is the lead institution of this project along with three other universities, including the Telangana Agricultural University, the Marathwada Agricultural University and the Punjabi University.
Punjab


 Dr Jahnvi Sharma

 Homoeopath · Mental health advisor · Online Consultant · Bach Flower Remedies · Batala Punjab

Certified in Homeopathic Strategies and Endocrine and Lifestyle disorders 

Overthinking results in running different scenarios in your head. Scenarios are based on a person's own beliefs and past experiences. Rumination, or thinking repeatedly about something that cannot be changed can cause anxiety, depression and self-harm. Rumination and other overthinking behaviours are frequently signs of deeper emotional problems that require root-cause resolution.
Dr Jahnvi Sharma

Dr Jahnvi Sharma · Homeopathic Consultant 
Click here 
Etiology

Providing patients with the highest quality healthcare with dedication to the newest advancements and up-to-date latest health care technologies. Dr Sharma works as a homeopathic practitioner with an interest in behavioural and mental health issues. Pursuing a post-graduation in mental health (PGDMH).
the CHURCHILL fellowship
Canada


 Kulpreet Singh (ਕੁਲਪ੍ਰੀਤ ਸਿੰਘ)

 Founder of South Asian Mental Health Alliance · Strategy Consultant · Surrey British Colombia

Est. 2010 – A non-profit network dedicated to mental health awareness, acceptance, support and empowerment.

A mental health issue is not a sign of weakness, addiction is not a sign of moral failure. These are health issues and we all need to treat them that way. Senior citizens could be explaining symptoms like pressure or pain, when they might be symptomatic of a panic attack or they might be feeling symptoms of depression. But they don't know how to use words to explain it.
Kulpreet Singh

Kulpreet Singh · Founder of South Asian Mental Health Alliance (SAMHAA) 
Interview with Dr Amandeep Singh in Bengaluru
The South Asian Mental Health Alliance (SAMHAA)

South Asian Mental Health Alliance (SAMHAA) is a non-profit community network engaging, educating and mobilizing the British Colombia South Asian community around issues related to mental health.

SAMHAA’s mission is to create awareness, foster acceptance, provide links to support and resources and empower all affected by mental illness. Their vision is a society where health and wellness of the mind, body and spirit are recognized equally, without stigma or stereotypes.
the CHURCHILL fellowship
Case Studies
Case A
Studied in London, lives in Punjab. 
"There were a few events with the Sikh Society but I know there were more events on at a different Uni to mine. I didn't feel like I had any support from my community or from the regular student events on campus."
Case B
Married, with one child studying in Canada and one in Punjab. 
"It is non-stop to survive out there (Canada). I had to borrow money from my family to get him there. I still owe them and worry about making repayments."
Case C
Unmarried, early 20s, no children, no father, lives with mother and elder brother in Punjab.
"I am running the family business under the guidance of my mother and brother. I also work in a beauty salon and rarely have a day off. It is only on special occasions that I have a little time for myself. I would like to learn to play basketball but there is nothing here (facilities) for girls."
Case D
Elderly woman, living independently in Punjab, no husband or children. 
"I order herbal medicine oils to massage my legs and for my back pain and it helps if I keep moving. I don't hesitate to try anything as the pain is constant. Sometimes I feel low as no-one can help me out of the pain...at my age I still keep going." 
Case E
Grandmother living with her only son in Delhi. Main carer of his children.
"My son is not considering my health at my age as his wife does not live with us. I have grandchildren duties which I should not be doing. Both my younger siblings are unwell mentally and they have failed in their marriages and have no children of their own. It is a hopeless situation.
Case F
Young persons international adoption facility and school in Punjab. 
"We offer psychological and physical therapies like yoga, meditation, music, dance, arts. The girls will learn to ride a scooter, take sewing classes and homemaking courses. We prepare them for life."

Autonomy in relationships

"There were no Punjabis in my class so I didn't have anyone from my own community to talk to. I spoke in Hindi to my Nepalese friend because her English was not great either, it feels embarrassing but they listened to me."

"I missed the emotional support from my family as I had never left them for one day before I came to the UK. My parents did not stress me all the time with questions like where were you? why are you spending money? why weren't you home on time? I almost dropped out to go home (Punjab), but I moved out instead."

Case A when asked to share who she confided in when struggling with support from family in the UK.

Pressures of family responsibilities

"Since my husband passed away I signed everything over to my son because he lives with me, but now he makes poor financial choices. His wife does not live with us or with the children. I am expected to get them ready for school every morning. It is not my age to do this now, I ignore my aches and pains and sometimes I say I don't care about them anymore but, where can I go? My daughters want me to live near them, they call me almost everyday."

Case E explaining her position in the household as she is co-parenting her sons' children. She is neglecting her health as she does not always have time to focus on herself.

Survival of future generations

"These babies and girls are abandoned or rescued from abusive situations. Some have a parent who has died by suicide and depending on their age they will not be informed of their traumatic childhood circumstances as they age. They will be counselled and school educated until they are ready to leave. They will go to college, be put forward for scholarship opportunities, be rehoused with new family, be prepared for marriage, move abroad or to another State in India."

Case F explaining the process of a government-run education and adoption system.

Survival of the unwanted

"Her father is in prison and will never be released, she won't know about him or what he has done to everyone. We will not tell her. He buried them all but she survived. She is traumatised now, she won't speak she won't react. She will go with a new family soon, we have interest from people from the UK and she will go in a few months. Most of them go abroad or we marry them here into good families."

Case F describing the situation of a traumatised infant in need of counselling therapy following the permanent separation from both parents due to father murdering his wife and daughters.
A personal case study



An insight into my lived experience linking to immigration, societal and cultural adaptation and acculturalisation, suicide ideation and subsequent ending of life. 

Aged 15/16 (1971)

The youngest daughter of six surviving siblings, unmarried. Emigrated from Phagwara, Punjab with family to live in Derby, East Midlands, UK. Talented in machine sewing, working in various sewing factories including Rowleys.

Married (Late 1970s)

Newly married, living in East London in shared accommodation with another Punjabi couple. Working in local factories as a seamstress. First daughter born (me) in 1975 during an economic recession.

  (Early 1980's)

Bought a townhouse in Canning Town. Set up a clothing business in partnership with friends. Manufacturing ladies wholesale fashion garments from a factory space on Commercial Rd/Alie St Whitechapel/Aldgate. Sewing from home combined with childcare & housekeeping duties. 

Aged 27 (1982)

Exposed to family and community isolation, over-working, domestic abuse, alcohol use. Second daughter born (after six and a half years) with no close family support. Verbalising ideation during pregnancy and postpartum. In the planning stage and informed those closest before actioning suicide. 
Rowley & Co