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Key Points

Gujarat's 'Jeevan Aastha' helpline has remarkably completed ten years of service. It has successfully handled over 1.5 lakh calls, providing crucial mental health support across the state. Minister Harsh Sanghavi announced an extra Rs 5 crore to strengthen the initiative further. The helpline remains a vital lifeline, saving lives and keeping families together through confidential counselling.

Key Points: Gujarat Jeevan Aastha Helpline Saves 1.5 Lakh Lives in 10 Years

  • Launched by Gandhinagar Police in 2015 as a free mental health support system
  • Handles 40-50 daily calls with counselling in Gujarati, Hindi, English
  • Announced additional Rs 5 crore for awareness and technical upgrades
  • Maintains strict confidentiality to encourage people to seek help without fear
2 min read

'Jeevan Aastha' helpline marks 10 years, saves over 1.5 lakh lives in Gujarat

Gujarat's suicide prevention helpline completes a decade, handling 1.5 lakh calls and saving countless lives with free, confidential mental health support.

"If even one life can be saved, every rupee spent on this project is worth it - Harsh Sanghavi"

Gandhinagar, Sep 10

Gujarat's suicide prevention and mental health counselling helpline 'Jeevan Aastha' has completed ten years of service, during which it has handled more than 1.5 lakh calls and saved countless lives.

The helpline, launched by Gandhinagar Police on September 10, 2015, has now grown into the state's largest and most effective mental health support system, offering free, confidential counselling in Gujarati, Hindi and English.

Marking World Suicide Prevention Day, Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi lauded the helpline's team of counsellors, police personnel and psychiatrists, describing their work as "not just answering calls, but keeping the hopes and happiness of 1.5 lakh families alive".

To strengthen the service, the minister announced an additional allocation of Rs 5 crore for awareness and technical support, over and above the existing budget.

"If even one life can be saved, every rupee spent on this project is worth it," Sanghavi said, adding that Gujarat was the first state in the country to set up such an initiative.

Over the years, the helpline has intervened in critical cases - rescuing a couple attempting suicide at Narmada canal, saving a young man from railway tracks during a financial crisis, and counselling a motivational speaker who lost Rs 32 lakh in online gaming.

Police officials stressed that all identities and problems of callers are kept strictly confidential to ensure people can seek help without hesitation.

Every day, the helpline team attends 40–50 calls, providing immediate counselling through phone or in person, in coordination with clinical psychologists and the Gujarat Police.

The officials noted that India records more suicides annually than fatal road accidents, yet conversations around mental health remain limited. Initiatives like 'Jeevan Aastha', they said, offer a crucial lifeline in times of despair.

State DGP Vikas Sahay and Gandhinagar SP Ravi Teja Vasmsetti underlined the helpline's impact, calling it a "timely and vital intervention" that has saved lives across Gujarat and even from other states.

The government is also considering linking the helpline number 1800-233-3330 with the national emergency number 112 for quicker response. The event, held at Gandhinagar Town Hall, was attended by senior police officials, local leaders, municipal representatives, and students.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Rohit P
As someone from Ahmedabad, I've seen how mental health issues are still taboo here. Jeevan Aastha is doing God's work. The fact that they've saved 1.5 lakh lives in 10 years is mind-blowing. More power to the team! ❤️
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Michael C
This is exactly the kind of social infrastructure India needs more of. The multi-language support shows they're thinking about accessibility. Hope other states replicate this model soon.
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Ananya R
While this is commendable, I hope they're also focusing on follow-up care. One-time counselling isn't enough for serious mental health issues. The government should also invest in more psychiatric facilities across Gujarat.
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Vikram M
Bhai, this is amazing! In our Indian families, we don't talk about mental health enough. Having a confidential helpline where people can speak freely without judgment is so important. Salute to all the counselors! 👏
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Sarah B
The fact that they're considering linking with emergency services shows they're serious about quick response. Mental health crises need immediate attention just like physical emergencies. Great progress for Gujarat!

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