I am 22-year-old Gujarati woman in love with a Bengali man. My parents don’t approve of inter-caste relationships. I know they will react negatively when they find out. Should I still see him?
Name and address withheld
Of course you must and Bengalis and Gujaratis are made for each other: they love their family; they adore holidays; they love travelling; they even have the same Puja/ Navratra holidays and use that very period to flirt and date so where is the difference. The only difference is that the Gujaratis will be vegetarian whereas a Bengali will kill himself rather than be a vegetarian. Just ignore your parents and follow your heart darling...knowing Gujarati women as I do, I am sure you will prevail...
I am a 15-year-old boy. My parents talk about their personal problems in front of me. When I object they tell me to stay out of it. Please help.
Name and address withheld
They are doing this in the spirit of transparency so why are you so squeamish or shy son? You should be happy that they trust you and have taken you into confidence. What else could be better? I suggest you drop this whole ‘oh-I am-so-concerned’ attitude and just relax and enjoy all the salacious bits...this will remain great fun.
I study in Class X. One of my friends loves a girl. But she’s a bad influence on him and has distanced him from his family and studies. He has even run away from home twice. What should we do?
Name and address withheld
Nothing...enjoy this remarkable life-altering experience. Where on earth would you get such amazing excitement? Normally a Class X lad’s life is so dull: at least in this case he is giving you so much to talk about and be interested in. I would encourage this bloke to do more and hopefully one day, Subhash Ghai will make a film on this rascal’s life. If all else fails, then he can easily enter Bigg Boss.
HELP AT HAND
Alcoholics anonymous
10A, Nandan Road, Near Ganja Park, Calcutta - 25, Ph: 2419 1174
For free help on alcoholism
E-mail: akolkata_ig03@rediffmail.com
(2p.m. to 6p.m. Mondays through
Saturdays)
Al-Anon (for families and friends of alcoholics)
Ph : 8420738682
(2p.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through
Saturdays)
www.india.al-anon.alateen.org
Narcotics anonymous
(Kolkata area helpline)
Ph: 9836223071; www.nakolkata.org
Email: info@nakolkata.org
Self-help group of recovering addicts
HelpAge India
1800-345-1253
Free helpline for the elderly for
social, legal, economical, financial counselling and also access to
government schemes and policies
Lifeline Foundation
Ph: 2463 7401/ 2463 7432
Free helpline for the depressed or suicidal
(10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturdays)
Sparsha
AE-36, Rabindra Pally, PO: Prafulla Kanan, Calcutta - 01
Ph: 2591 0334, 2591 3852, 6529, 9856
Free tele-counselling and one-on-one counselling on personal relationships and HIV/ AIDS
(10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays)
