The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Drowning grief in alcohol

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jul 29, 2005

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Drowning grief in alcohol

R.K.Radhakrishnan

AFTER THE STORM: Many affected look forward with hope. — Photo: S. Thanthoni

CHENNAI: A Non-Governmental Organisation has found that men in Nagapattinam have begun consuming alcohol "more than before, out of grief."

"Out of the 60 men surveyed, 38 are now addicted to alcohol," says the study by the Chennai-based NGO, Pavithram.

A three-women team conducted the survey among 120 people affected by tsunami "whom they came across on the streets of Keechankuppam and Velankanni." Of the respondents, 81 people said that they needed psychological support to resume their old jobs or to start a new occupation. "Although they are satisfied with the services of many NGOs, they still need psychological support."

The study says that most people were satisfied with the relief measures of both Central and State Governments. It also found that though education of children was affected, most of those who survived continued with their studies. Besides, incidence of child labour was very low in the affected areas. "This research also revealed that women's education was both important and indispensable in crisis situations."

A detailed study report and findings were submitted to the Nagapattinam Collector, J.Radhakrishnan, said the Pavithram secretary, R. Babu Senan.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Tamil Nadu