Citygritty 8212; Pune

Identifying the problemMuktangan, the de-addiction centre that has worked with several alcoholics and drug addicts in the past, has now e...

Identifying the problem
Muktangan, the de-addiction centre that has worked with several alcoholics and drug addicts in the past, has now expanded its services to work with potential addicts. For the past one month, it began counselling centres at various organisations like Cummins India and Forbes Marshall to help workers who are not addicts but risk becoming one.

Says Mukta Puntambekar, deputy director, Muktangan, 8220;Working with potential addicts began when we had a workshop for industrial workers where they were taught to identify addicts at the workplace. And the addiction need not necessarily confine itself to drugs or alcohol but also include gutkha and gambling.8221; As a result, when the workshop participants went back, they spotted likely addicts and requested further help. What better way to nip a problem in its bud?

Grandma goes strong!
The grandmother of all auto-rickshaws was born in Italy in 1954 Piaggio. Affectionately christened Grandma, the open rickshaw is powered by 150 HP a Vespa engine and has rendered faithful service for 44 years. The vehicle still gives an economical petrol consumption of 35 to 40 kmpl. 8220;It is still in perfect running order, with all the original parts in tact,8221; says Ravindranath Mitra, a retired professional and resident of Shivajinagar.

He purchased it second-hand for just Rs. 1,400 and uses it for his personal service. When required, he repairs it himself. Mitra has participated in various vintage car rallies and auto-exhibitions. Unfortunately, he will not be participating in the coming rally as he is out of station, but his vintage auto will continue to makes it mark in Pune wherever it goes!

Sustain-ed efforts
They believe in entertainment for a purpose. The Sustain Musical Group, a band of young musicians, will present a light Indian music concert, Euphony 8217;99, in aid of the Prism Foundation, a school for special children, on March 20. It will be held at 5 p.m. at the Nehru Memorial Hall. 8220;We used to perform together in college. Now, as each of us is involved in our careers, we wanted to contribute our mite to help society. So our shows are held solely for charity,8221; says Vinit Podval, a member.

After a charity show in August 1995 to raise funds for Prerna, a trust for cancer patients, Sustain next performed in February in aid of a three-month-old baby who was to undergo open-heart surgery for a hole in the heart. This year8217;s show is aimed at helping students of the Phoenix School, a part of the Prism Foundation, which imparts special education to students who have communicational, behavioural or intellectual disability.