January 2010
Revisit the old; Welcome the new
Reminisce, reflect and renew. This is the unchanging formula for observing
New Year's Day/season, anywhere in the world. It is one that works
and is at the heart of all New Year resolutions and intentions. This is
a great occasion to reconnect and redefine our relationships, our goals
and our perspectives and vision for the future.
We reminisce over events that have affected us, our dear ones, and the
world at large. Has it been "the best of times and the worst of
times"? Have you come through and overcome? Or has it been just
another year, with little that was significant to you personally? If the
former, then your experience will be of help and inspiration for others.
Go ahead and share it.
The last year and decade was chockfull of events that signal change.
Some seemingly positive changes leave question marks in their wake. The
EMI revolution, making former luxuries available to many, yet denied to
most? The effects of terrorism becoming a possibility that could lurk
just around the corner, making you wary and intolerant? Nature's
fury indicating very loudly, that global warming was not someone else's
problem, and the realization that there is something that everyone has
to do . Gadgets and gizmos for the "I-generation", be they
cell phones or I pods or computer games becoming the accessible objects
of desire of millions? We have been badgered by new pandemics of Swine
flu and the avian variety, while good medical care is eluding more and
more because of rise in costs of treatment and research.
Much has happened that merits our appreciation, approval and thankfulness.
The cell-phone revolution, the leap in India's economy, the Oscars
for"Slumdog", the success of the "Chandrayan"
mission to the moon, recognition of eminent Indians across the globe,
listing of Indus Bangalore as the fourth most prestigious school in India
and so forth.
But Flood and famine, rioting and rebellion, corruption and contradiction
have been ever-present visitors in our lives. The onus of "healing
the world" rests even more strongly on each individual and each
community, to answer this increasingly urgent call. New Year resolutions
are desperately needed by each adult and child to make the world a better
place, by using their sensitivity, humaneness and concern for the planet.
Leadership is ultimately dependent on the soft skills which are latent
in each of us. To reach out, to care, to forgive, to forget, to help,
to respond are not the qualities of the timidly soft and the weak. They
are the steps the Strong must take, boldly and without hesitation.
Only then can the New Year bring Peace and Joy and Happiness.
On behalf of us all at Indus, I greet you warmly and wish you for in
the New Year much to fulfill, much to overcome and the joys of achievement
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