Tata Group honours Kargil veteran G.J. Rao for two decades of suicide prevention work

The Tata Group has honoured decorated Kargil war veteran and retired Group Captain G.J. Rao for his two-decade-long suicide prevention mission in Telangana, presenting him with a Tata Curvv car and a tribute video. Mr. Rao's life-saving efforts, which include inspiring the state's 24x7 helpline that saved its first life in Hyderabad, have recently enabled him to travel to remote areas like Nirmal Nagar to support families affected by suicide.

Mr. Rao, a former Indian Air Force officer, began his work in suicide prevention through the 'Samvedana' helpline while still serving in the armed forces. Following his retirement, he dedicated himself to the cause by sharing his personal mobile number to remain available round the clock for individuals experiencing emotional distress.

His grassroots work led him to author a widely recognised book on suicide prevention, which was officially released by former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao. This book directly inspired the launch of Telangana's official 24x7 suicide prevention helpline.

The state helpline was launched on September 3, 2015, and immediately proved its value by saving a young man from a suicide attempt in Hyderabad on its very first day of operations. Mr. Rao later produced "September-10," an award-winning feature film focused on suicide prevention, which was released to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day.

To recognise his twenty years of service, the Tata Group produced a 105-second tribute video alongside the gift of the Tata Curvv vehicle. Mr. Rao stated that the new vehicle has enabled him to travel directly to remote villages to rebuild the confidence of families shattered by suicide and connect them with vital resources.

Through his outreach, Mr. Rao has facilitated targeted aid for affected families. In Nirmal Nagar, the daughter of a suicide victim secured a full educational sponsorship from NRI donor Ram Kumar. Similarly, in Narsapur, a widow named Sayamma was provided a house through assistance from philanthropist Srinivas of the 'I 4 Farmers' NGO.

Additionally, Mr. Rao's advocacy has helped secure admissions for three underprivileged girls at the Kasturba Gandhi Balika Residential School. He has now offered his book and film free of cost to the governments of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to assist authorities in combating suicide.

"There is no better social cause than saving precious lives," Mr. Rao said, calling on both government and private organisations to prioritise suicide prevention under corporate social responsibility initiatives. He also urged citizens to join a nationwide movement under the slogan "Each One, Save One."