Mysore University Library and Information Science Student Association (MULISSA) organised a lecture programme on "Life Skills" by Prof. Mohammad Shaik Saleem, Director, Zonal Institute for Education and Training, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sanghatan, Mysore on 26th October 2007. The summary of the talk is given below. Speaking on the occasion, Prof Saleem said that life skills are those abilities for adaptive and positive behaviour that enable individuals to deal positively with the demands and challenges of everyday life. Life skills include competencies that help people make informed decisions, solve problems, think critically and creatively, communicate effectively, maintain healthy relationships, empathize with others, and manage their lives in a healthy manner. Prof. Saleem said that stress has become the order of the day. Coping with stress and emotions are the life skills essential of modern man. The speaker said, unfortunately the formal education does not equip its students with essential life skills. Prof. Saleem explained the increased influence of the peer group on the youth. It tends to pull away from the close emotional ties that they share with their parents and prefer the company of their friends. The speaker touched upon some of the most influencing factors on youth like changes in interests, body image concerns, changes in morality, changes in family relationships, etc. He gave the young students present in the audience the tips to handle the peer pressure. Prof. Saleem ended saying that one does not have to compare oneself with others but to look within oneself for the strengths. He urged the students to acquire the essential life skills – thinking skills, social skills and negotiation skills. -- N.S. Harinarayana, Ph.D Faculty Advisor for MULISSA Department of Library and Information Science University of Mysore, Manasagangtori Mysore 570 006 Off. Ph: (0821) 2419399 -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean.