Help arrives
Modernisation has come with a bane. Stress has become a permanent factor in the lives of the young, the old and even kids leading to an increased incidence of psychological problems like addictions, juvenile delinquency, marital conflict and so on. But for every problem there is a solution. And Channel Help which is being launched in the city on Sunday aims at helping people. Chaula Patel, president of this newly formed helpline, which is being supported by qualified therapists, doctors and professionals from various fields, said at a recent press conference that counselling, simply put, is a dialogue between two people and yet this facility is often shunned by people who need it, mostly because of the stigmas attached to it. Channel Help plans to address problems of all age groups and will also hold seminars and workshops on stress management, legal awareness, career guidance and so on. Eventually, a 24-hour helpline for people to unload their emotional baggage will come up.

Calling artistes
Patrons of art are hard to find in a country where main concerns are food, clothing and shelter. And it gets that much harder for upcoming artistes to sustain themselves. But Shivranjani, a city recording studio, plans to give Pune's artistes the much needed fillip by publishing a directory of artists. The directory will be available for free, said Jaideep Dhamdhere, partner at Shivranjani Studios at a programme of Marathi and Hindi songs composed by Yogita Godbole, winner of the mega final of Meri Awaz Suno. Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, who chaired the function, felicitated other artistes.