Daijiworld News Network - Mangalore (GA)

Mangalore, Apr 7: There are numerous counselling centres all over, catering to the emotional and social needs of women, alcoholics, senior citizens, married couples etc.  But no one had ever taken an initiative to start a counselling centre exclusively for the youth.  Perhaps no one felt the need for it though it was very essential.  This effectively meant that for various reasons and numerous causes the youth were being neglected.

On the other hand the problems faced by youth are increasing in leaps and bounds day by day. They are confused, misguided, have become vulnerable, their sensitivity towards each human being in person or society in general is being effectively killed, they are neglected etc.  But there are hardly anyone noticing all this. 

That is more and more youth succumb to alcohol, drugs, smoking and other socially dejected habits which finally lead them to depression, suicide etc.  Crime has almost become synonymous with youth.  They are carried away by media which is bent upon glamorizing crime. 

With all these and more problems, youth of the day are in great need of psychological, emotional, spiritual and moral guidance by able persons.  Though there certain individuals who could do this, they are not being brought together under one forum or single organization where youth with diverse problems could go and find solace.

So far no one had touched this issue.  But now, 'Konkani Yuva Awaz', an organization which is working exclusively with the youth has finally come out with a noble initiative.  "Sparsha" which means 'touch', a counselling centre for the youth will be inaugurated on Saturday April 8 by deputy commissioner Dr H V Parshwanath at 6 pm.

This was announced in a press conference here on Thursday April 6 by Konkani Yuva Awaz president Roshan Castelino.

 The office of the new counselling centre is based at Konkani Yuva Awaz office near the main gate of Infant Jesus Church at Bikarnakatta.

The main sponsor of Konkani Yuva Awaz and noted entrepreneur, Ronald Colaco will be inaugurating the new office of the organization.  Fr Charles Menezes, former director of YCS/YSM and Eric Ozario, president Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy will be the chief guests on the occasion.  Bendore parish priest Fr Peter Noronha will bless the new office premises.

"Sparsha" counselling centre will provide services fee of cost to youth from all communities.  Renowned psychiatrist Dr Satish Rao, Dr Edward Nazareth, social activist Judie Pinto, career guidance specialist Norbert Lobo, social worker and professor of MSW Ashok D'Souza, Jeevan Dhara and Link organizations will offer their services at Sparsha.  But as and when the need arises, the help of the other experienced counsellors and professionals too will be taken.

Konkani Yuva Awaz vice president Santhosh D'Costa and general secretary Denis D'Silva were present at the press conference.