Congress slams PM Modi for joking about suicide note at media conclave
New Delhi: The Congress party has criticized Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his joke about a "suicide note" at a media conclave, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi calling the prime minister "insensitive about suicide."
During the conclave, PM Modi shared a joke about a professor who spotted a spelling mistake in his daughter's suicide note, which prompted reactions from the Congress party, with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra calling the prime minister out for his insensitivity.
Vadra said, "Depression and suicide, especially among the youth, is not a laughing matter. This is a tragedy, not a joke." The Congress party also tweeted that the prime minister's joke was insensitive and cited the suicide statistics of the country, with 450 people being forced to commit suicide every day.
Vadra urged the prime minister and his audience to educate themselves better about mental health issues rather than ridiculing them in a morbid and insensitive manner. She said, "The Prime Minister and those laughing heartily at his joke ought to create awareness rather than ridicule mental health issues in this insensitive manner."
हज़ारों परिवार आत्महत्या के कारण अपने बच्चों को खोते हैं।
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 27, 2023
प्रधानमंत्री को उनका मज़ाक नहीं उड़ाना चाहिए!
Imagine the insensitive disregard for human life by our Prime Minister who needs to crack a joke on suicide!?!?
— AAP (@AamAadmiParty) April 27, 2023
Ironically, when this #AnpadhPM makes a sick & cruel joke on a girl's suicide, the nation is expected to laugh! pic.twitter.com/Z3KUurRDTa
Respected PM,
— Priyanka Chaturvedi(@priyankac19) April 27, 2023
I won’t share the triggering video where you cracked a joke on suicide while the audience laughed at the insensitive ‘joke’, however I’d definitely like to remind you that 2021 NCRB data shows that over 1.5 lakh Indians committed suicide, also deaths by suicide… pic.twitter.com/nWysoJSIRL
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Empowering Bengaluru: Hitachi Rail Supports Sanjay Gandhi And St Josephs
Corporate Social Responsibility is often spoken about, but meaningful action is what truly makes a difference. In Bengaluru, Hitachi Rail STS India has demonstrated how responsible corporate engagement can directly support society by strengthening healthcare services and promoting education for students who need support.
As part of its CSR initiatives, the company has contributed ₹66 lakh towards important community causes in the city. The contributions focus on two critical areas that shape the well-being and future of society — healthcare and education.
A significant portion of the contribution, ₹50 lakh, has been donated to Sanjay Gandhi Hospital in Bengaluru. The funds will be used to purchase essential medical equipment that will help the hospital enhance its healthcare services. With growing patient needs and increasing demand for advanced medical facilities, such support plays an important role in strengthening public healthcare infrastructure.
The cheque for this contribution was formally handed over by Mr. Manoj Kumar Krishnappa, Director and Head of Hitachi Rail STS India, to Dr. Madan Ballal, Director of Sanjay Gandhi Hospital. The gesture highlights the company’s commitment to ensuring that hospitals serving large sections of the public have the tools and equipment required to deliver better treatment and care.
Healthcare support, however, was only one part of the company’s broader community effort. Recognising that education remains the foundation of long-term social progress, Hitachi Rail STS India also contributed ₹16 lakh to the Jesuit Education Society in Bengaluru, a unit of St. Joseph’s School and College. The funds will be used to support students who require financial assistance, enabling them to continue their education and access opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Manoj Kumar Krishnappa emphasised that the company believes businesses have a responsibility that goes beyond commercial success. According to him, initiatives that strengthen healthcare systems and support the education of underprivileged students help create a stronger and more inclusive society.
Such initiatives reflect a broader philosophy within Hitachi Rail STS India — that corporate growth and social responsibility must move together. By investing in healthcare infrastructure and educational support, the company aims to contribute to lasting improvements in the communities where it operates.
Hitachi Rail STS India is widely recognised as a leading provider of advanced railway signalling and transportation solutions. The company focuses on innovation, safety, and sustainable mobility in the transportation sector. At the same time, through its CSR initiatives, it continues to extend its impact beyond engineering and infrastructure by supporting social development and community welfare.
In a rapidly growing city like Bengaluru, partnerships between institutions and responsible corporate entities can play a crucial role in addressing social challenges. Contributions such as these not only strengthen healthcare facilities and educational access but also set an example of how industry can actively participate in building a healthier and more equitable society.
(Girish Linganna is an award-winning science communicator and a Defence, Aerospace & Geopolitical Analyst. He is the Managing Director of ADD Engineering Components India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany.)
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or position of the publication, its editors, or its management. The publication is not responsible for the accuracy of any information, statements, or opinions presented in this piece.
