Depression, according to recent statistics, is practically an epidemic, with over 70 million people suffering from its affects, such as a feeling of moroseness, uselessness, lack of energy, inability to sleep, and a poor attitude toward life in general, among other symptoms. Depression causes a pessimistic view of things. It also discourages enthusiasm and stifles one’s initiative. It may also produce despair and bring about sickness in the mind and body. It can make one resort to rash and thoughtless actions that a person may later regret. Much of the time such thoughts are completely unnecessary. Thus, it is imperative that we help cure depression so that people can live with more happiness, ingenuity, energy, and are thus able to reach a higher potential in life.Stephen Knapp writes more.

Last month, we explored making the difficult world of divorce a little more manageable through the use of divorce mediation rather than divorce litigation. This month we are going to explore the polar opposite: Staying together until death do us part. Really! Michael Wayland writes more.

As chefs get creative, what you get on your platter are dishes that besides being sumptuous are virtually the pieces of ‘art’, finds out N Anuranjani.

Diwali is the one festival in India which is celebrated by all, irrespective of caste, creed and religion. Diwali is celebrated to acknowledge the victory of good over evil. And the lighting of earthen lamps or diyas on a moonless night signifies a new beginning of enlightenment and the end of darkness of ignorance. The very concept of Diwali has hardly anything to do with the fireworks. Here’s some ways to celebrate an “eco-friendly” Diwali…

Situated on the west coast of southern Indian peninsula, Mangalore is today more than just a “port-city”. It is a bustling educational center as well as an industrial hub. However, Mangalore happens to have, also, one of the largest Non-Resident Indian (NRI) population in the country. Mangalorean.com, a bustling place on the internet for Mangalorean expatriates is doing a yeoman service in helping those Mangalorean to stay in touch with their roots. Our Features Editor spoke to its founder,Roshan D’souza. Excerpts:

Apurva Kaushik writes on her volunteering experience in India and Guyana through the ‘Yuva for Sewa fellowship’ program. A must read for youths, who wish to make ‘best of free time.’

For social entrepreneurs, untapped markets are people or communities in need, who haven’t been reached by other initiatives. Though they may have different goals, social and business entrepreneurs have a lot in common. They build something out of nothing. They are ambitious to achieve. They marshal resources to meet their needs. They are constantly creative. And they are not afraid to make mistakes. Shobhit Mathur finds out more.

The Manchester United has opened up a chain of bars in India with an intention of ‘promoting football’ and to ‘popularize the game’ among Indians. Chhavi Banswal finds out more.

Radio Idli (www.radioidli.net), an online community radio service for the Konkani speaking Saraswat Community, is now in its third year and is going strong. Its co-founders, Krishnanand Nayak and Nagesh Pai, believe that anyone can replicate their success given ‘they have a deep passion and commitment towards their community.’