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Divide trouble, multiply joy

Try your hand at helping those who need help

Like many newly-weds Vinod and Vani (names changed) relocated from Chennai to work in Hyderabad. Vinod heads a BPO working nights while Vani has a 9 to 5 job with a multinational. Their jobs often require their presence on Saturdays too, that leaves only Sunday for household chores, family and friends. They own a well-furnished flat, two cars and have a good bank balance.

But what leaves much to be desired is the growing debit balance in quality time spent with each other. In fact, they hardly meet through the week and starting a family has been indefinitely postponed. While Vinod feels the answer lies in his wife quitting her job, Vani expresses her desire to climb the corporate ladder and justify the education given to her by her parents.

This scenario is fast becoming the reality in the metros where both spouses pursue demanding careers.

As a counsellor with SEVA, K. L. Prasad, a retired Deputy Manager of ONGC, meets several Vinods and Vanis, where he volunteers his time and wisdom of years for two hours each week. SEVA, a counselling centre established in 1993, aims to empower people to deal with life and its everyday problems. Trained volunteers help explore solutions, discover hidden strengths and manage stress. SEVA has four counselling centres in the city and it is free and confidential based on the principle of non-judgmental listening and empathy.

Says Prasad: "I have become so accustomed to helping other people solve their problems that my own seem trifle. Counselling gives me immense satisfaction."

Hutoxi Patel, Acting Director, SEVA, says: "Counselling is not about giving advice as most individuals have the capacity to resolve their own issues. Often there is only a need to examine feelings, discuss fears without inhibitions, look at life from a different perspective or simply change one's attitude."

A three-day workshop in counselling skills is being conducted by SEVA in the last week of August. Individuals with a gentle, caring disposition, willing to volunteer their time for a socially productive purpose can contact SEVA's office between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. at No 10 Padmarao Nagar, Swarajya Press, Secunderabad 500 003 or call 9441778290 for information.

You might just discover that you have what it takes to save a marriage, help a career or even rescue a life !

PADMINI B. PATELL

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