I am a 20-year-old woman and I broke up with my boyfriend over a year ago. But that wasn’t the end of it. Ever since the break-up he’s been bothering me by calling or texting from unknown numbers. I have tried to talk sense into him but he just doesn’t seem to get it. He often uses filthy language and harasses me. Please tell me how to get rid of him.

Name and address withheld

Just go to the police. In fact go to any police station in Calcutta and in addition to lodging your own complaint, tell them you heard your boyfriend has begun making cartoons of the chief minister: just make up the stories and then watch the fun. That boyfriend of yours will be found in Keoratala wondering whether to jump into the pyre or just stay there forever. Do it soon while the police is still in a mood to appease the chief minister.

I am a 29-year-old woman. I have a job and also give tuitions in my spare time. Recently my parents started looking for a boy for me. They want me to settle down and start a family immediately. However, I don’t think I am ready just yet for marriage and I especially abhor the idea of being a housewife but all my relatives are of the opinion that a woman should only stay at home. Please help.

Name and address withheld

Tell your relatives to go to hell. Give them examples of how fine women are changing the course of India. From Jayalalitha to Sunny Leone to Rakhi Sawant. What if all these women stayed home? Can you imagine what we would do with ourselves? My suggestion is listen to everything your relatives tell you and do exactly what you, yourself, want. There is no harm in listening to other people provided you know you aren’t going to follow their advice.        

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
(2 pm to 6 pm, Mondays through Saturdays)

Al-Anon (for families and friends of alcoholics)

Ph : 8420738682 
(2 pm to 6 pm, 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 am to 6 pm, 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 am to 6 pm, Mondays through Fridays)

Pronam

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