The World Suicide Prevention day is being observed across the globe today to promote worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides. The Day provides an opportunity to organizations, government agencies and individuals to promote awareness about suicide, mental illnesses associated with it, and suicide prevention.

According to the World Health Organization, every year, almost one million people die from suicide; a global mortality rate of 16 per one lakh, or one death every 40 seconds.

Talking to All India Radio, Statistical Officer in the National Crime Record's Bureau, R V Singh said, more than one lakh 35 thousand people committed suicide in 2011 in the country. He said, the country lost over 20 thousand people between 15-59 year of age due to illness-related suicides in the same year.

Various events and activities are being held during the occasion to raise awareness that suicide is a major preventable cause of premature death.

Our correspondent reports, organizations such as the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and World Health Organization (WHO) play a key role in promoting this event.