Candle March in Pune on Sept 13 to Mark World Suicide Prevention Day
Pune, 4th September 2025: To mark World Suicide Prevention Day, a candle march has been organised in the city to raise awareness about mental health and offer hope to those struggling in silence. The initiative has been undertaken by Connecting Trust, which has been working in the field of suicide prevention for the past two decades, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Pune Sarasbaug.
The march will take place on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., starting from Sambhaji Garden on Jangli Maharaj Road. Citizens willing to join can register at https://bit.ly/candlemarch2025 or visit Connecting Trust’s Instagram page @connecting_ngo, said Pranita Madkaikar, CEO of Connecting Trust.
The march is supported by several Rotary Clubs, including Pune Katraj, Pune South, Pune Kothrud, Pune Sahwas, Pune Mid-East, Pune East, and Pune Sunrise. Rotary members, Rotaractors, and youth volunteers are expected to participate in large numbers.
Founded in 2005 by Arnawaz Damnia, Connecting Trust has been actively working to prevent suicides, create awareness about mental health, and offer emotional support to those in distress. “Over the past 20 years, we have been able to reach thousands of people and provide them with hope, understanding, and a new direction in life. With Rotary Clubs joining us, the impact of this initiative will be stronger,” said Gayatri Damle of Connecting Trust.
Highlighting the significance of the march, Ashutosh Vaidya, President of Rotary Club of Pune Sarasbaug, said, “The march is not only a tribute to lives lost to suicide but also a step towards creating awareness about mental health and supporting those who are currently struggling. A small candle and a few steps can become a ray of hope in someone’s life. Together, let us spread the message of sensitivity, hope, and support.”
The organisers emphasised that suicide is a pressing social issue, often rooted in unspoken pain, loneliness, and stress. The candle march aims to send out a collective message: no one is alone.
