Every New Year begins with optimism. The previous year slips into history really fast. Does that mean we forget all that has gone
Certainly not. But, we want to carry the memories of good moments while trying to jettison the darkness that engulfed us from time to time.
Not that we succeed all the time, 2008 having given rise to occasions when hope seemed dead, buried and gone. When a tragedy like the Mumbai terror attacks hurts the nation, forgetting is a shameless sin anyway. In the beginning of 2009, however, we do believe that India will fare much better. Indulging in the joy that the first day of a new year brings with it, we are thinking of the future with a positive frame of mind.
With smiles on our faces, let us welcome the change. Good morning 2009.Banishment of evil is a quest for the impossible. But, everyone is hopeful that the New Year will manifest signs of betterment. Singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan says, “I want what everyone wants for the New Year. I want to see a ray of light. I want to see happiness in the faces of my family and friends. I would like to see a lot more positive things happening in the future.” Television actor Aamir Ali speaks along similar lines, “The one thing I would like to see this year is love and happiness. If the heart is empty, the mind doesn’t matter. I hope to see more love among people.”
In every society the world over, there are times when people aspire for more transparency in the society. Such a reaction takes place when the real truth seems concealed in a cobweb of diplomatic ambiguity. Singer-composer Sukhwinder Singh remarks, “I look forward to seeing more clarity in the country. I hope that we can speak our minds clearly, and pass on positive messages that will be heard by one and all.”
A positive outlook towards career being a catalyst of growth, everyone wants to experience a great New Year in their professional spheres. Television host Simi Garewal says, “On the work front, I’m looking forward to getting my show on the air. I’m also producing a film which I hope to get out this year. I would like to wish the entire country a Happy New Year and I hope that 2009 will be happy and peaceful for one and all.” Model-turned-actor Mugdha Godse says, “Since this year was a start of my new career, I hope to do better work and get appreciated for it.”
When the career graph registers a rise, what follows is the pleasing feeling of personal fulfillment. Hear television actor Sampada Vaze, “I expect a year full of exciting work with a month-long break in the middle of the year. On a larger note, I wish peace and progress for my country.” Swimmer Veerdhaval Khade has a clear objective. “My aim is to get fitter and stronger and become a better sportsman. I feel 2009 is going to be a year of resilience, strength and great achievements.”
2009 has begun in an atmosphere of hope. Deepak Shikarpur, Chairman of Computer Society of India, reflects that feeling when he says, “I am sure that 2009 will be better than 2008. I am looking forward to a bigger and better year for all. I hope that 2009 will be a safe and sound year for Indians.” Actor Imran Khan belongs to the distinct minority that isn’t expecting anything at all! “Honestly, I never have any expectations from anything as my mind doesn’t work that way. I have always been the kind that takes things as they come.”
What 2009 will actually offer is impossible to guess. As time goes by, new trends will emerge. We will experience the unexpected that will surprise us, and many other predictable episodes without any novelty whatsoever. Achievements will make us ecstatic, while failures will make us grapple with mental lows. While that happens, one month will make way for another, and the latter for the one that follows.
However, all that matters right now is the date: January 1. The time machine has taken off. Slowly, surely, it is moving towards a new future. Dear readers, have a great journey.
"As actors, we all want our audience to like our work; so even if you ask me this question after five years I will say yes I want to work harder and harder to be loved by my audience."
~ Imran Khan
