Q I’m a 24-year-old student from a small city. Nothing is going right in my life. For any years I have been in severe depression and not able to sleep well at night. Now, things have gone from bad to worse when my close female friend stopped talking to me for no reason. She was the only person whom I could share everything with. I’m the only son of my parents who are working all day and they expect a lot from me and these things have drained me of all my energy. Help!
Anonymous

A. It is a tough thing in life when equations with friends change. We feel disappointed, let down, low, etc. It’s natural. With time you will adjust. Sometimes in relationships giving or getting space is a natural process. Your friend and you may be better friends once you get together again. I always say we cannot control how other people think or feel. However, we can change our life to make a difference for our betterment or the betterment of our loved ones. Sometimes extra time gives you a chance to focus on yourself, work harder, learn or acquire new skills. When you work on yourself you will feel confident. Success in school and other activities will give you confidence, a spark and will make you look at life differently. It is always a circle of events that go round and round. You have to choose where you want to spend your energy and time — sulking, losing confidence and doing badly in studies or having fun, learning new things, working out, studying and growing. Have fun, keep busy and invest in yourself. You’ve already taken the first step by writing in. Make your parents proud.

Q. I am from Goa. I belong to a family of musicians and we spend our weekends musically occupied. However I can’t do it anymore. I want to be in marketing. The amount of time we spend in making music means that I don’t think I will be able to give my CAT with great marks this year. My family will be upset if I tell them. Please help.
Mary
A. I think your family has a unique life. Sounds like fun. But I know the feeling when one feels stagnant and feels the need for more. Every time in this world someone tries to do something that is different there is resistance but you are lucky that the people you have to convince are people who love you and are close to you. They might be upset for a while or may ask you to change your mind, etc., but will eventually give in. I am sure someone in your family will support you. Go to that person first. The idea is not to rebel. The idea is to convince them and win their hearts. I am sure you will manage that.
Q. I’m studying in intermediate second year but I have a small problem. While studying one of my friends asked me why do we study and for what purpose? My interest in education has decreased since then and I can’t concentrate.
Abhishek

A. There are many purposes of education my dear. A simple and practical one is qualification. That will help you get a job and earn a living to lead a stable and happy life. Apart from that we as humans seek knowledge. Apart from our basic instincts we are the only species that seek it and we have evolved and continue to create and invent. Every human through education contributes to the process of millions of years of evolution. Education stimulates creativity, balances us, stimulates us, helps us grow, create and contribute. Your education will help us create a better nation better world. You are our future. When you grow up and go for work or even if you are on vacation you will realise how much education makes you who you are. It’s education and experiences that make us.