Gratitude to 2023, Greetings to 2024
Sunita Vijay, film critic and garden lover, talks to people on what 2023 has taught them, what is their resolve for 2024 and their specific words of wisdom for youngsters. Here we are providing readers with their personal reflections, insights and a glimpse into the brilliant minds behind the contributions! -Editor.
Kailash Kher all set to create meaningful music
Kher added that apart from this upcoming show, Kailasa band is organising live concerts in many places. The concerts are not meant solely for entertainment but have a lot of spiritual content that becomes a learning curve for the and the viewers even if they come to the concerts mainly for entertainment. Spiritual music leads one into silent, meditative contemplation. Meditation is what leads one to come closer to the divine. Right kind of the music has the power to go beyond mere entertainment into a meditative mood. “Of course, by the grace of God, we have been able to create spiritual music also in Rock style,” he added. Kher also sang a few lines from his popular album in praise of lord Shiva during this interaction with Garhwal Post. Kher also informed that his band has also set up an academy for teaching music by name of Kailash Kher Academy of Learning Art or Kala in short in the year 2023. By and large, it had been a happening year; a journey of over 18 years as an independent singer and musician, he said adding that so far 1,800 songs have been composed by him and his team.
Create a harmonious ‘me space’ inside and outside
I learned never to lose sight of the fact that life is short and to live each day as if there is no tomorrow. Harsh realities and uncertainties have taught me to strengthen my ‘Me Space’ and pursue what my heart desires reading, writing, gardening, watching movies, spending time with my pets, and above all, helping people in whatever capacity I can. To love and live LIFE. This magical moment, as I write and involuntarily breathe, will never come again. I am filled with gratitude. I pray for my country’s progress and growth and will work towards safeguarding my country’s interests and strengthening benevolent thoughts towards one’s nation. Happy, responsible citizens make a happy country, and vice versa. The youth should be abreast of the latest happenings and work towards building a shining, thriving nation.
—Dr Anjali Nauriyal is a veteran journalist, author, actor, and social worker.
Adopt new digital tools but stick to old methods too
Getout of all kind of negativityMy advice for the youngsters is to think positive, get out of all kind of negativity around us and contribute towards India becoming a world superpower in various fields like, economy, sports, technology, etc.
2023 has taught me that life is so precious and we must enjoy it fully not just for our happiness, but also for happiness of people living around us.
My resolution for 2024 is to find out new ways to make others happy since now I’m retired and will not be able to help the people as a police officer.
Uncluttering the mind and streets
Education imparts knowledge, Life teaches lessonsEducation imparts knowledge, whereas life teaches lessons. In my opinion, above four are the real skills which are the only tools to lead a healthy, satisfying and thus a fulfilling life. Like every year, 2023 only helped me hone them further. And so shall this process continue in 2024..
Today’s generation is upbeat and aware, both the sexes equally motivated as well as career oriented, that’s their power. And to top it up, they have instant access to information. Alongside, I would urge them to imbibe the above four golden words in their lives that helped stabilise mine.
Embracechange and adoptIt’s time to say goodbye to 2023, count our blessings and reflect on what we have learnt!
First and foremost the post COVID era taught us to embrace change and be adaptable in the face of unexpected challenges.
Secondly with the advent of rapid digitalisation and with the blend of AI, learn to navigate the digital world with care and responsibility. The impact of technology on society is enormous and can also be hazardous with emergence of deep fake.
Thirdly acknowledge the importance of environmental sustainability and make conscious efforts to contribute positively for sustainable development. Our national capital New Delhi and NCR region is suffering because of it.
From the lessons learnt from 2023 I suggest
that for 2024 it is imperative to embrace change, actively contribute to your communities, and make sustainable choices to shape a brighter future for yourself and for the generations to come!
Get organized, remain healthy and fit. Learn a new skill or hobby. Live life to the fullest. Save more money, spend less, invest wisely and try to achieve financial freedom.
Happy New Year !
Academician and former Principal, DAV (PG) College, Dehradun.
Be more accepting and givingYear 2023 has taught me that in spite of all good deeds or hard work God has a bigger role in the way life unfolds.
My resolve for year 2024 is to set the bar higher in my professional life with more creative initiatives and in my personal life to be more accepting and giving.
Youngsters know the best but my personal advice is – ‘Work as if no prayers are going to help and pray as if no work is going to help!’
Secretary, Rural Development, Government of Uttarakhand.
Be passionate about what you do!
I have been fortunate to spend many years seeing and hearing great achievers in various fields of life. It is always very interesting to hear their perspective and feel my mind widening each time, but this year I was also struck by two common traits which I observed in all the speakers, irrespective of their age.
And that was their passion and their persistence.
This has been my learning in 2023 which I hope to ingrain in the coming year. This would also be my suggestion for our youth… be passionate about what you do, and persist till you succeed. God bless!
(Rashmi Chopra coordinates the volunteer programme at Valley of Words Literature Festival).
Be kind to yourself & yourenvironment
As the year draws to a close, it’s time to conclude it on a high note and set the stage for a positive beginning to 2024. Although 2023 was an unhappy year considering the war rages in Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan with millions of families injured, displaced or dead, in 2023, despite everything, hope actualised in the form of rising economy, public getting back to normalcy following the harrowing Covid years, meaningful wins in the form of booming stocks, travel getting back to normalcy and AI taking over the human imagination.
Let us ensure a positive ending with hope and optimism for the upcoming year by following these steps for continued success ..
1. Work out to remain fit and feel good. not to be thin.
2. Eat healthy & fresh meals. Avoid Packed food with Preservatives.
3. Give three good compliments a day – just to make the other person feel a whole lot better.
4. Go some place you have never been.
5. Clear out the clutter.
6. Reduce your waste.
7. Call/ meet a friend instead of texting. Stay in touch with people who matter especially the senior members.
8. Avoid people who complain a lot!!.
My message to youngsters is to follow their dreams. Have faith in the Almighty and give your best in everything you do. Try to learn good things from your teachers, friends and colleagues. Go Green by cutting down the carbon footprint. Do your bit to save the environment and contribute to preventing climate change. Live and enjoy every moment of life. Best wishes for a great 2024 to all !!!
Gynecologist, Doting Mom, Fitness enthusiast, Environmentalist & Philanthropist.
Nature’s Whispers of 2023 and Wisdom’s Embrace for 2024
As 2023 whispers its goodbye, the rustling leaves echo not just the changing seasons, but also profound lessons etched in our hearts. Nature, in its unyielding resilience, taught us adaptability. The Joshimath cracks, torrential floods, Uttarkashi tunnel rescue and Uttarakhand Investment Summit bringing international attention on Himalayas are stark reminders to be cautious on our ecological footprint for Uttarakhand’s sustainability. From soaring eagles to skittering beetles, each creature became a teacher, whispering the interconnectedness of life.
Resolutions for 2024, then, are truly whispers from our awakened souls. Let us vow to tread lightly on the Earth, to listen to the wisdom of the wind, and to nurture the seeds of compassion within. To the youngsters stepping into 2024, embrace the lessons of this year. Question, explore, raise your voice to everyone who matters and most importantly, listen to make your life sustainably beautiful. Listen to the whispers of nature, the echoes of wisdom, and the quiet stirrings of your own heart. For in that symphony of being, lies the path to a joyful and meaningful life.
Chief Project Director,
Uttarakhand Forest Resource Management Project (UFRMP).
Appreciate the small things in life
Change is the only constantAs for the New Year, my resolve is to invest in myself. As professionals, in our middle years, we tend to get overly immersed in the world around us, thereby losing sight of our personal growth, well being and individuality. So, on the personal front thats the direction I’ll probably shift gears to.
For the youngsters, especially my students, I’d say, ‘Chest out and chin up’. For those in grades X and XII, it’s the time to sharpen your focus to a pin point and develop Arjun’s vision. For all others, build a life, where each day, you would be a better version of yourself.
God Bless!
