This year has seen some great moments for India and Indians.. and some really low times. Through much of the year, predictions were being made about how we have some of the best years of growth ahead. However … the last few months have left us with a sour taste, we have seen one scam after another being reported and discussed. These have touched almost all of us in some way or another. Many names that we held in high esteem have been dragged into this. Media persons, politicians, corporate czars, bureaucrats… trusts, NGOs, the list of individuals and groups at whom fingers are being pointed is endless..

As the year draws to a close, this is a time for introspection. Instead of pointing a finger at others, as the Father of our Nation, Mahatma Gandhi has said.. Let us be the change that we want to see in this world.

What is the legacy we want to leave behind for our future generations, our children, our children’s children? Do our children want money and wealth, power and prestige from us at any cost? Would they prefer to have a scam-tainted parent or grandparent? Or would they prefer to have hardworking elders in the family, whom they can be proud of? Whom they are not ashamed to claim as their own?

We all have choices that we can make. As entrepreneurs and business leaders.. we can set trends in our business.. and so impact society. You could be the future hope for the country. What messages would you like to send out? Forget about the others around you, they may be good or bad, ethical or unethical.  What kind of person do you choose to be? Which path would you like to follow as a citizen of this country? Every citizen matters. Every citizen’s choice in this matter..does matter. A good deed can shine in a bad world. A single small light in can dispel darkness in a room.

This is that time of the year that we can make our choices and resolutions. Do reflect on your choices.. your actions … in 2011 and the coming decade.

I live in hope. May 2011 be the year we renew our faith in the citizens and common men and women of the country and in ourselves. May more of us pledge to tread the path of goodness, courage and hope. May we take a vow to be true and honest to ourselves and to our country. May more of us say… I can make a difference. May more of us be the lights that shine on the path of truth and justice in 2011. Happy New Year. May you be blessed with Health … physical, mental and spiritual.

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