19/09/2026
Hartek Foundation Partners with Punjab Police for QPR Su***de Prevention Gatekeeper Training
Hartek Foundation, in collaboration with the Community Affairs Division of Punjab Police, organised a QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Su***de Prevention Gatekeeper Training on 18th September,2026 at Punjab Police Officers Institute (PPOI), Sector 32, Chandigarh.
The programme was conducted under the leadership and guidance of Ms. Gurpreet Kaur Deo, IPS, Special DGP, Community Affairs Division, Punjab Police, whose continued support has been instrumental in strengthening initiatives focused on mental health awareness, prevention, and community-oriented policing.
Chief Guest Sh. Arun Pal Singh, IPS, ADGP-cum-MD, PPHC, delivered the inaugural address and introduced participants to the QPR framework, emphasising self-awareness, mental wellbeing and practical techniques for improving focus and concentration.
Ms. Harkirat Kaur, CEO, Hartek Foundation,opened the proceedings with a warm welcome and articulated the programme's objective of making conversations around mental health more open, accessible, and stigma free.
The training was facilitated by Mr. Sachin Chitambaran and Ms. Reenu from The Connect Hut, covering the fundamentals of suicidality and su***de prevention. Referring to the NCRB’s Accidental Deaths & Su***des in India 2024 report, the trainers highlighted that 1,70,746 deaths by su***de were recorded in India in 2024, while emphasising the importance of looking beyond reported deaths and recognising distress.
A key message was the courage to ask directly, “Are you having suicidal thoughts?” — creating an opportunity for conversation, connection and timely support.
The programme concluded with remarks from Ms. Prabhjot Kaur, PPS, Joint Director, Vigilance, who highlighted the importance of such training for police personnel in recognising signs of distress among others while being mindful of their own mental wellbeing.
Through this initiative, Hartek Foundation and Punjab Police reaffirm their shared commitment to making mental health conversations simple, accessible and stigma-free for the community and for those who serve it.