Student suicides in Kerala have surged by nearly 50% in the past decade, raising urgent concerns about the emotional wellbeing of schoolchildren. Data presented in the Kerala Assembly shows that the state recorded 39,962 suicides between January 2021 and March 2025, with numbers rising dramatically from 6,227 deaths in 2021 to 10,994 in 2023. While not all of these cases involved students, the alarming upward trend reflects a deepening mental health crisis across age groups, genders, and communities.
In this challenging landscape, Kelkkaam — Malayalam for “Let’s Listen” — has emerged as a compassionate global movement dedicated to suicide prevention and mental wellbeing. Operating more as a community-driven support system than a conventional registered charity, Kelkkaam is built on one transformative principle: listening as an act of healing.
For Malayalis in Kerala and abroad, emotional struggles often remain unspoken. Migrants experience loneliness and work pressure; students face overwhelming academic expectations; families endure conflict; and professionals silently battle stress and burnout. Many hesitate to seek help due to stigma, shame, or fear. Kelkkaam responds by creating safe spaces where individuals can speak freely and be heard without judgement.
Kelkkaam is more than a project – it is a global Malayali suicide-prevention movement committed to mental well-being, reducing anxiety, and helping people overcome depression. By encouraging meaningful conversations, it builds a circle of care that extends from Kerala to Malayali communities across the Gulf, Europe, the Americas, and beyond.
Why Kelkkaam Matters
Kerala’s rising suicide figures reflect deep-rooted social and emotional pressures: isolation, financial strain, academic stress, family instability, and the stigma surrounding mental health. Migrants, students, families, and working professionals often feel alone in their struggles. Kelkkaam steps in as a compassionate response to this silence, not by offering quick solutions, but by building safe spaces where struggles can be spoken aloud, where emotions matter, and where listening becomes a pathway to healing.
Leadership and Expertise
The movement initiated by Fr. Davis Chiramal, Founder of the Kidney Federation, is supported by visionary leaders who believe in the power of empathy:
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Justice Kurian Joseph, former Judge of the Supreme Court of India
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Francis Mathew (UK), Senior Director, Law & Lawyers Ltd, London
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Gopinath Muthukad, world-renowned magician and motivational speaker
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Santhosh George Kulangara, traveller, TV director, and broadcaster
Kelkkaam’s professional strength comes from its dedicated mental health experts:
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Dr. Jesna T. J. (UK) – Senior Consultant Psychologist; Chartered Member & Associate Fellow, British Psychological Society
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Sibby Thomas (UK) – Social worker specialising in adult mental health services
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Dr. Gracious Simon (UK) – Acting Consultant Psychiatrist with 27+ years’ experience across community psychiatry, PTSD, old-age psychiatry, and complex mental health needs
A Global Network of 1,000+ Caring Voices
At the heart of Kelkkaam is a vast community of more than 1,000 trained counsellors and psychologists, supported by volunteers, community leaders, and mental health advocates. They offer confidential support, run awareness campaigns, and organise workshops across multiple regions and time zones.
Kelkkaam does more than provide listeners – it trains them. Students, youth, and community members are empowered to recognise distress, show empathy, and support those in need. This creates a ripple effect of compassion within families, campuses, workplaces, and diaspora communities.
What Kelkkaam Offers
Kelkkaam delivers a wide range of services to address the needs of Malayalis worldwide:
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Mental Health Support – Online counselling platforms and self-help resources
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Crisis Intervention – A dedicated helpline offering immediate support and suicide-prevention assistance
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Community Outreach – Grassroots campaigns, awareness drives, and local support groups
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Family & Expatriate Support – Guidance for conflict resolution, coping with loneliness, and managing stress abroad
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Volunteer Training – Preparing students and community members with essential listening and mental health awareness skills
These initiatives operate around the clock, forming a global safety net for anyone in distress. Kelkkaam’s strength lies in its ability to integrate professional expertise with community warmth, ensuring help is not only available but accessible and compassionate.
If you or someone you know needs support, volunteers are ready to listen:
Helpline / WhatsApp: +91 806 996 5050
Website: kelkkaam.com
Kelkkaam stands as a beacon of hope for Malayalis everywhere – a movement proving that when we choose to listen, we choose to save lives.
Kelkkam Project launch in Kerala:
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