I am 23. I quit studying after high school as I was more interested in money and business. Now I feel that higher education will help me expand my business. But my dad says it is too late. What should I do?

Name and address withheld

Look son, there are many illiterate people around: some are running business empires and some are running this country and till now we are doing pretty fine. So my advice is spare academia your benign presence and concentrate on your business. Why would you like to have a formal education when someone who does not have a business can take advantage of that college seat? Just keep working at being a fine businessman and if possible stay away from Tihar and from molesting maids and you will have a glorious life. One day we might even out you on the cover of Graphiti.

I’m in love with a woman. But she is engaged to another man. We want to get married but cannot because of the other guy. What should I do? Please suggest.

Name and address withheld

There are two options: you can kill the other guy or elope with this woman but look son, this woman is too smart. She is the one who is stringing along both of you and you both are stupid to fall for this trap. She is making both of you feel loved when she actually cares two hoots for either of you. If I know these women well, as I truly do, she will dump both of you and marry someone completely different!

I’m a highly qualified man with excellent marks in all my exams. But I am unemployed. Everyone teases me and reminds me of my good results. It’s getting difficult to live. Please help.

Name and address withheld

Look you can easily commit suicide but even that has become expensive and cumbersome and knowing you as I do, you might not even be able to commit suicide well so here’s my advice: just keep looking out for a job and trust me you will find one. There is nothing that determination and perseverance cannot get you so just hang in (and not hang yourself) there and the world will suddenly become a nice place to live in. Fine son?

HELP AT HAND

Alcoholics anonymous

10A, Nandan Road, Near Ganja Park, Calcutta - 25
Ph: 2419 1174
For free help on alcoholism
E-mail: aakolkata_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)

Pronam

38/1, Beltala Road,Calcutta - 19
Senior Citizen’s Emergency
Co-ordination Control Room
Ph: 2419 0740

If you have questions for Mr Seth, write to: graphiti@abpmail.com