‘There are no shortcuts to building relationships’

Satish Inamdar, director of Krishnamurthy Foundation, on the right approach to adolescent care.

Is the age of adolescence now more complicated?

Life is now more complicated in general, with civilisation on fast track. It is much more complicated for an adolescent. They have access to a lot of information, but do not know how to handle it. Adolescence is an age with plenty of energy but no maturity. The fundamentals of life have not changed, but lifestyle has.

Are we unable to deal with the question of sexuality and why?

The basic problem is that we have lost out on relationships. When parents and teachers have no time, a child is left with peer group and gadgets. Parents and teachers are unable deal with a situation openly, without being moralistic or hypocritical. They are unable to tell a child that desire is natural, but there is also a right place for it and a right expression.

What is a practical solution?

There are absolutely no shortcuts to building relationships on a day-to-day basis. Parents and teachers are the first counsellors. They cannot duck or sublet their responsibility. Special educators or counsellors can come in only later.