I am a student at one of the most expensive schools in Calcutta. I was expelled from another school last year because of some problems. I used to be a very good student. But now I don’t feel like studying. I roam around in my car and spend money all the time. But I want a good future. How can I concentrate on my studies?

Name and address withheld

Why do you need to study? With all the money you have, why don’t you brush up on your manners and then consider joining the Rajya Sabha of India. We have many people there who are exactly like you: school drop-outs with loads of parental wealth and now charting India’s destiny which is why we are a zero-corruption country with fine people running for Parliament. I suggest, while you are it, it would be better to share the brand of car because if you are in a Maruti, you will only go thus far and no further. If, however, you are in a BMW we might expect you to run over some folks so that too might make you into a national figure. So it all depends son...

I am a 20-year-old woman, and an under-achiever. My life is a terrible mess. I am unappreciated, misunderstood and spend most of my time brooding over the problems of my life. I haven’t done anything worthwhile so far and depend on my family for everything. My family is rich and famous but I always feel lonely and scared. Help.

Name and address withheld

Look child, the best thing for you to do is to get married and I mean this sincerely. There is no way you can lead a normal life besides which your parents are loaded so getting (or buying) a lad will be no problem. And once you marry, then the problem is the lad’s and not ours. So my advice is feel good about your misery and then quickly make someone else responsible for it and for that there is no better antidote than marriage. Do remember to invite me too....

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)