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Mysore, July 13- Jnanpith awardee Dr. U.R. Ananthamurthy was in full
praise of Police Commissioner Mr. C. Chandrashekar, the zealous brain
behind Helpline — the centre that offers emotional assistance to those in
distress.
Inaugurating the second anniversary celebrations of Helpline at
Vivekananda Hall in Mahajana College here this morning, he said a lover of
art and literature would be a good human being and Mr. Chandrashekar was a
perfect example for this.
Helpline is a centre opened by persons with philosophical outlook, he
added.
Dr. Ananthamurhty felt the society was not responsive to the problems
encountered by adolescents. The tragedy is that suicide victims think of
living afresh when the end comes, he opined.
"Urbanisation has, no doubt, added growth to our economy, but it has
failed to call to mind our concern towards children and the aged," he
said.
There is an urgent need to stop illtreatment being meted out at people
belonging to weaker sections, he added, citing it as a reason for suicide
among the distressed. Stress management could also help the urbanites from
taking the extreme step, he felt.
Earlier, Police Commissioner Mr. Chandrashekar, briefing about the
centre's activities, said the centre played a major role in averting many
a suicide among citizens in distress. In 1995, suicide cases registered
stood at 424, while in 2000, the year Helpline came into existence, the
number came down to 356.
In 2001, the cases registered stood at 246, he informed.
Helpline had handled 4,289 cases till date, relating to adolescents, older
people, alcoholic husbands, marital discord and sexual abuse, Mr.
Chandrashekar disclosed and added that the centre offered emotional
assistance and timely counselling.
Mr. Chandrashekar disclosed that Helpline would be forming a Trust to
continue its selfless service. Expenses incurred every month at Helpline
amounted to Rs. 5,000, he informed.
The Police Commissioner said he would raise Rs. 5 lakh with donations from
philanthropists and like-minded people. The interest earned on the amount
will be used to meet monthly expenses of the centre.
Mr. Chandrashekar felt teenagers were the most troubled lot, with parents
dictating over them. Hence suicidal tendency is on the high among the
young, he added.
Mrs. Indira Ganapathy, a volunteer, read a report. Col. P.C. Ganapathy (retd.)
introduced the chief guest. Prof. Rameshwari Verma proposed a vote of
thanks.
Mahajana student Udayakiran rendered the invocation.
Dr. Ali Khwaja and Ms. Meera Jain spoke on "Adolescence and broadening
horizons" in the seminar after the inauguration.
Mr. Sridhar Murthy and Ms. Malathi spoke on "Parenthood today."
Dr. Shamanna and Dr. Seetharam will deliver lectures on "Stress
Management" at 4 pm today.
Mrs. S.V. Meenakshi, Dr. P.K. Mishra and Dr. Anne John will speak on
"Contemporary issues in marriage and Family" tomorrow between 10 am and 12
noon.
The valedictory will be held at 12 noon. Dr. Rajeev Taranath will be the
chief guest.-VG&MK
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