Q. I want to know what the meaning of life is and what should the main aim of our life be?
Asim

A. Well, as humans we seek various things in life but what interests me is the Indian theory of dharma, artha, kama and moksha. We as humans need to fulfil our duties, gain prosperity, contribute to society and then let go of the material world and enjoy spirituality, etc. We do underestimate this philosophy but it balances out life. We begin life in learning and adapting, we move on to enjoy the stability and prosperity and then we must contribute and move on. Apart from that, for me life is optimism and the capacity to enjoy and understand and live life to the fullest.

Q. I am an avid reader of your column and I want an answer to a question I have been carrying within myself. I graduated this year and got through lots of interviews. My intention is to get a job and earn a living. However, I did not get through some interviews which were important to me and now I feel broken inside and my confidence is at a low ebb especially when pe-ople around question me.
Amruta

A. I agree that disappointment is stressful but I want you to know that every human on this planet has failed interviews at school or work. What’s important is that you are working towards your goals. Don’t worry about a few interviews. They will teach you how to improve on various aspects of your life and tell you where you can better yourself for your next interview etc. I would suggest that you focus on your goals. And as far as peoples’ questions are concerned see them with optimism. Often we take people asking us questions and giving us advice negatively. Everything around you is teaching you to be better, patient, telling you skills you need to acquire. You will get there. You must remember that you need to grow constantly. Failure and even success come and go.

Q. I am 14 years old. My father takes help from my mother to solve all his problems, big or small, and when he behaves wrongly my mother tries to correct this. But when this happens he starts to yell at her, tells her that she is simply picking a fight and suddenly starts to beat her. Recently he did the same thing. This time he tried to cover my mum’s mouth and stop her breathing. When I screamed at him to stop, he stopped and started to watch TV. I got angry and I switched off the TV. He then started to beat me. When my mum tried to stop him, he went to kitchen and tried to hit both of us with a plate. Somehow I pushed my mum inside the room and closed the door. After a while he started watching TV again. This doesn’t end here. Whenever he needs help he comes to my mother and asks and acts as though he is so innocent, saying he will change. He is a coward. After his problem has been solved the same routine goes on and on and on. And whenever I sit down to study he tells me unnecessary things and at the end he says I will fail. He always finds ways to disturb me. When I tell him to stop, he just scolds me. Even though we are silent he never leaves us to get on with our work. My mid-term exams are near and I need to study, but he neither leaves me to study nor allows us to live in peace. My mother and me need help from you. Please help us out.
Pretthi

A. I’m truly sorry for what you are having to deal with. Honestly, I don’t understand or believe there is any excuse for a man to harm a woman physically. It’s cowardly and is misdirected anger from one’s own shortcomings. You and your mother need to make it clear to your father that this is not acceptable and will not be tolerated. If he is unable to control this behaviour, you may need to seek professional help. This needs to be addressed.
Please be firm with him. From your email I can say that you are a strong girl, brave and intelligent and all of us feel vulnerable when people we trust harm us. I want to tell you that don’t rely on him for your confidence. You are a strong individual and will do great at studies and work. Just focus and have a happy life. I hope and pray that this gets sorted out soon. Be strong and firm about this.