Pics: Abhijith N Kolpe
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru, Mar 5: You Matter Counselling and Training Centre celebrated its first anniversary on Sunday, March 5, here at Kadri Park with the inauguration of its counseling awareness week from March 5 to 11.
A walkathon was flagged off by Rector of St Aloysius Institution, Fr Melwin Pinto at the entrance of St Agnes College. Principal of St Agnes College Dr Venissa A C was also present during the flagging off of the walkathon from St Agnes College to Kadri Park.
A large number of students were gathered to take part in the walkathon.
General manager, Karnataka Bank, Vinaya Bhat, managing director, Daijiworld Media Network Private Limited, Walter Nandalike, Rector, St Aloysius institutions Fr Melwin Pinto inaugurated by watering the plant.
General Manager of Karnataka Bank, Vinaya Bhat said, "During my initial days there was no structured counselling as teachers itself would counsel the students. A teacher had once told me that I had fear in speaking and she encouraged me to overcome the fear and prepare myself. This is the power of counselling and the counsellors who helped me come a long way in my life."
Rector St Aloysius Institutions Fr Melwin Pinto said, "We are in need of listeners in families. If there are listeners then there is no need for counsellors. We need barefoot counsellors as well in teachers so that it can reduce the workload of counsellors. At the same time counsellors need to counsel parents to develop skills to solve problems better with their children."
Managing director of Daijiworld Media Network Private Limited Walter Nandalike said, "During tough situations there is a need to search for opportunities and have some hope in life. Whenever you are in a tough situation don’t take decisions. If you step to take a decision it could be dangerous. Earlier, one counsellor was required for 300 students. Now, we need four counselors for 300 students which means problems have increased. The students are not so comfortable sharing their problems with parents, teachers and friends but they are comfortable sharing them with counsellors and this is their power."
Chairman and medical director of Unity Care and Health Services Private Ltd, Dr C P Habeeb Rahman said, "Mother is known as the natural counsellor because of their unconditional love towards their children. The thoughts in your mind need to be used for your benefit to be successful."
Director of You Matter Counseling and Training Centre, Lugina Miranda said, "Counselling is a new profession in India and it is still in the developing stage. The common man is yet to understand the concept of approaching a professional counsellow to sort out his problem. Almost everyone faces challenges and difficulties at some point of time in their lives. Counselling provides great support in times of crisis. Counselling provided by professionals make a profound impact on the lives of individuals, families and communities."
Lugina Miranda said, "This service helps people navigate difficult life situations such as family life disturbances, divorce, death, trauma, parental problems and many more. The first thing we should know is that the people who go for counselling are normal people who need help to cope with their personal problems. The personal changes that need to be achieved are not as deep as that of the psychotic patients. They changes mainly consist of deeper, self knowledge, a change of attitude and a modification of self perception and of the others," said Lugina Miranda.
The students of St Aloysius College performed a street play emphasising the significance of counselling.
Maria D Costa also shared her thoughts on the programme.
During the week long awareness programme, there will be a free counselling workshop at Milagres Church hall from March 6 to March 10 between 5 pm and 7 pm. Resource person will address on mindfulness, addiction and cyber safety, effective parenting, self esteem and healthy relationships. Issues in topics of counseling will be dealt with during the workshops.
The valedictory programme will be held on March 11 at University College, Hampankatta at 5.30 pm.
Trustee and youth counselor Steevan D'Souza, trustee and counselor Dr Meena Lobo were also present.
Trustee Chitraleka Gupta compered the event while trustee and counsellor Precilla D Silva proposed the vote of thanks.