Mangaluru: It’s very sad to note that we hear about many suicides committed, especially by youth in DK/Mangaluru. Many youth commit suicide either by consuming poison, jump in the well, hanging, so on- due to simple reasons like failing in their exams, or if they didn’t do well in their exams, or due to some love affair or silly trivial issues. And here is yet another case of suicide, where a young boy of 17 years ended his life by hanging, due to a silly trivial issue.

According to police reports, 17-year-old Neville Fernandes, a PUC student in a private PUC institute in the City, committed suicide by hanging himself in the room at his residence in Chilimbi/Urwa-Mangaluru. Sources reveal that Nevil had sent a text message to his female classmate, where the latter took it serious and complained about it to her teachers. Later the college management called up Neville’s parents about the incident, and later allegedly suspended him.

It is learnt that Neville upset with the college decision to suspend him for a silly trivial issue, had mentioned in his suicide note that he did not deserve such a harsh punishment for just sending a SMS with the message "Hi"to his classmate girl- and so he hanged himself in his house room. Before going into his room in the evening, Neville told his parents that he will be studying- but since he didn’t come out until late midnight, his mother called the neighbours, who broke open the door, only to find Neville hanging.

It is learnt that Neville was born and brought up in Goa, and only recently had moved to Mangaluru. Funeral details reveal that Neville is the son of Ivan and Veena Fernandes, of Chilimbi/Urwa- and the funeral cortege leaves NJ Paradise, Chilimbi/Urwa at 3 pm on 25 September at 3 pm, followed by mass at 3.15 pm. Team Mangalorean expresses heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members. May His Soul Rest In Peace!

In conclusion, in my perspective to the youth-Do whatever it takes – do anything – to keep yourself alive until you feel safe again. Remember: that child you once were, who laughed and cried and loved unconditionally, who looked around with wonder and joy, who embraced life and all of the wonder it held – that is your true state of being, and you still carry that innocence within you. It is worth protecting. It is worth preserving. It is worth fighting for. Your true self remains in you, reliant upon your choices now.

You are the future healer, prophet, activist, writer, poet, musician, artist, lover, father, mother, and creator of a better world. Not this one – a better one. That’s where you belong – that’s why your soul is crying out, every day, every second, so loud that you can’t ignore it. It is learnt that Suicide is one of the top three causes of death among the young in the age group of 15-35 years! Suicide is an individual, family and community health crisis. To reduce the rising toll of premature deaths due to suicide, and to protect family and friends from the psychological burden and pain associated with surviving the death of a loved one…We Need to Act and Act Now!

Nobody blames you for anything. Please, don’t feel guilty. Take a breath. Take a moment to center yourself. You are strong., obviously – you have made it this far. You could go so much further. It feels hard, but it will get better. Nothing in this world is permanent, and you know it. These moments of pain are fleeting, but hold out. Protect yourself, even if it’s from yourself. It will be worth it. Let yourself feel the pain, and feel it deeply – but don’t let it control you. Accept the fear, the frustrations – but don’t let them force you to do anything your soul would reject. Don’t hurt yourself.

• Don’t Commit Suicide! Instead Those in Distress Call Suicide Lifeline