De-stress yourself
Life in the fast lane spells stress and anxiety, with one hand on the panic button. Inspired by an article published in The Indian Express, Dr. Arun Khanna, a general practitioner, has offered his services to those who need an attentive ear or a helping hand. ``I find that a lot of youngsters feel neglected when both their parents are working and free communication between their parents and them is rare. As a result, these youngsters have no one to turn to in times of need,'' says Khanna. Prompted by this scenario, Khanna has started a helpline for those who feel the need to voice their feelings and share their anguish. The helpline is available on 640171 between 8 to 10 a.m. and on 5884928 between 5 to 6 p.m. from Monday to Friday in Hindi and English.

Have you got IT?
Ok, so this is the age of super specialisation. But if you thought that beauty pageants were out of the ambit of specialisation, here's one that will prove you wrong. Arena Multi Media, a division of Aptech Ltd., is organising a beauty pageant which is open only to those who have an Information Technology qualification. Whazzat? Those who want to be part of this beauty pageant must have at least a three-month certificate course in computers to qualify.

The show, which is, but naturally, called IT Look '99, is to be held at 7 p.m. on June 9 at the Nehru Memorial Hall. The programme will mark the passing out of the first batch of Arena's fashion design students. The programme has been choreographed by Sujoy Cherian and will feature Infinity and Shefali Lahoti.

Journey to the East
M.V. Madane, retired project director of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (UN), is going to do a whole lot of travelling over the next couple of days. And his travel aboard the Trans-Siberian train from Moscow to Beijing is going to take him across the wilderness of Siberia, the enchanting land of Mongolia, through the Gobi desert into China. This trip, a private journey called Steppes East, is being undertaken by a group of UK-India senior citizens. Most of the members were classmates of Madane, while some were his colleagues in the UN. The three-week journey will begin on June 11 from Moscow, and Madane will soon be leaving from Pune to meet up with his tour-mates in London. Bon voyage!