PU alumni step up, offer counselling

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, March 31

At a time when Panjab University (PU), like several other academic institutions, is grappling with the Covid-induced lockdown, the university’s alumni association has offered a helping hand to the university.

The Panjab University Alumni Association (PUAA), along with Social Substance, has formed a team of professionals to assist city people with guidance and counselling.

About 19 experts, including spiritual healers, counsellors and mahavastu experts, have been appointed for counselling and guiding people through phone calls or on WhatsApp. For medical advice, a physician has been roped in and five psychotherapists have been made available.

Social sctivist Vikas Luthra would look into animal-related distress and Vikram Singh, PU security officer, may be contacted for security and items of daily needs at the PU.

About seven people have been appointed for anxiety and friendly discussion. Prof Deepti Gupta, Dean, Alumni Relations, said: “We were feeling concerned as there are several research scholars here, along with the elderly. When we came up with the idea, 100 people volunteered. If you’re feeling lost or nervous, you can come and talk to us.”

She added: “In two days, we received calls from about 40-50 people. We got maximum calls from youngsters, especially those in colleges wondering when will their semester get over and also enquiries from schoolchildren about their exams and results have been received.”

Currently, three homes on the PU campus have been quarantined.