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Young and vocal

Anjali Prayag

Students all over the country are invited to rediscover their voice, courtesy Discovery Channel. Face2Face 2000, the channel's latest production, will encourage students to speak their mind on subjects as varied as the environment, animal conservat ion, the law, Government, economics, foreign affairs and so on.

The debates will be held in nine cities -- Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Mumbai, Delhi and Calcutta. Eight outstanding speakers will be selected from each round and they will meet for the finals in Chennai on August 18.

The contest, which kicked off in Bangalore on July 13, is sponsored by Maggi Noodles and Atlas Cycles.

According to Kiran Karnik, Managing Director, Discovery Communications India, ``At Discovery Channel, our mission is to provide programming that entertains our viewers. Annual initiatives like the Discovery Channel Quiz and Word2Word 2000 reiterate our d edication and commitment to making every experience a learning one. Face2Face 2000 is an attempt to allow young minds to think, analyse and `speak their minds' on some vital issues of our time.''

Challenging the thought process is the aim of all Discovery Channel programmes, its officials claim, adding that Face2Face 2000 endorses this principle.

So, if you are a student with strong views, here's your chance to speak up.

Flying Samaritans

Nina Varghese

British Airways has joined hands with the Haemophilia Federation (India) to provide support to children suffering from the life-threatening bleeding disorder.

The airlines will donate Rs. 5.4 lakhs to the foundation towards the medical treatment and educational support for haemophilic children across the country.

The initiative is funded by the British Airways' charity fund, Silver Lining, where the airlines donates Rs. 100 for every ticket sold in India.

According to Alan Briggs, General Manager, South Asia: ``British Airways staff have been supporting a variety of projects in India. The Haemophilia Federation (India) is a deserving organisation and one that is working very hard towards raising awareness , providing treatment and generating support for haemophilic children.''

Haemophilia is a life-long genetic bleeding disorder where the patients suffer from prolonged bleeding, mostly in their joints. Says Vijay Kaul, Executive Director, Haemophilia Federation (India): ``Treatment of haemophilia is very expensive and the medi cine required is not produced in India. Children suffering from this disease are very often those whose families cannot afford the treatment, resulting in disabilities developing in their early years. These children also need additional support for their education.''

The Haemophilia Federation (India) is a non-profit organisation founded in 1983 to identify haemophiliacs and provide them access to treatment in India. It has a network of chapters in 58 cities across India and represents the country India in the World Federation of Haemophilia, Canada.