The Indian Panorama

Year: 2023

  • Bharat Jodo Yatra

    Bharat Jodo Yatra

    The Congress party is undertaking the 3,570-km ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ that began at Kanniyakumari on September 7, 2022, and will end at Srinagar covering 12 States in 150 days. The party’s biggest mass contact programme in the recent times will see 119 leaders, including former party president Rahul Gandhi.

    According to the Congress,  the Bharat Jodo Yatra has been uniting people across the country and has proved that people want to live in peace and coexist in communal amity.

    Rahul Gandhi maintains that the Bharat Jodo Yatra is not for any political or personal interest, but against the politics of hate, fear and violence.

    The idea has rallied the Left liberal intelligentsia around him, for sure. From actor Swara Bhaskar to activist Medha Patkar and from lawyer Prashant Bhushan to author Tushar Gandhi—the list is impressive. The only drawback in this list is that it’s drawn from Congress’ extended eco-system. It’s like preaching to the converted. That doesn’t help the Congress expand its support base and breach the BJP’s. When Bharat Jodo Yatra was conceptualised, it was meant to be a mass mobilisation programme to rejuvenate the party. It wasn’t supposed to be Rahul Gandhi’s tapasya or spiritual quest. He has made it truly apolitical so far as the Congress is concerned.

    The Congress said that they started this movement to unite the country against the alleged “divisive politics” of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government at New Delhi. Launched by Gandhi and Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin on September 7, 2022, its main objective is to fight against the politics of “fear, bigotry and prejudice” and the economics of livelihood destruction, increasing unemployment and growing inequalities. The presidential election of the party was held during the movement. The party also formed a government on its own for the first time in 4 years during the movement.

    Background

    The Congress party launched the logo, tagline, and website for Bharat Jodo Yatra at AICC headquarters on 23 August 2022. The march started from Kanyakumari on 7 September. It will be a 3,570-kilometre long, 150-day ‘non-stop’ march that will cover 12 states and two Union Territories from across the country in which Gandhi will meet people during the day and will sleep in makeshift accommodation in the night.  Yatris are scheduled to cover a total of 23 kilometres everyday in 2 shifts. The march has as of December 2022 covered more than 3,000 kilometers. There are several parallels between the Congress’s ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ and ex-prime minister of India Chandra Shekhar’s nearly 4,260 kilometers-long Bharat Yatra in 1983.

    Many grassroots movements have been joining or endorsing the Bharat Jodo Yatra. The Congress has also appealed to citizens, organizations, and movements to join the Yatra. More than 200 civil society members have appealed people to support Congress’ Bharat Jodo Yatra.

    (7-13 September)

    Rahul Gandhi launches the yatra at Kanyakumari after paying tributes to his late father Rajiv Gandhi, Swami Vivekananda, and the Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar on September 7. The Congress dubs the yatra as “India’s biggest mass contact program” where the concerns of the people will reach Delhi.

    (14-20 September)

    The yatra reached Kollam on 14 September, as Rahul Gandhi paid his respects to Sri Narayana Guru. He met local cashew workers there and promised to bring up their grievances in the upcoming parliamentary session.[33] The yatra entered various cities such as Kollam, Alappuzha, and Kochi during this week.

    (21-27 September)

    Rahul Gandhi paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi in Kochi on 22 September. BJP leaders falsely alleged the break on 23 September in the yatra was in solidarity with the PFI. Hollywood actor John Cusack expressed his solidarity with Rahul Gandhi. A plea to regulate the Bharat Jodo Yatra was dismissed by Kerala High Court. Yatra entered Thrissur and Malappuram before entering Gudalur in Tamil Nadu on 29 September.

    On 30 September, it entered Karnataka with huge crowds. Police started cracking down on the PayCM campaign. Rahul Gandhi paid floral tribues to Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanthi. He also targeted the BJP on its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in Karnataka.[ Yatra took a break at Mandya on 4 October.

    (5-11 October)

    Sonia Gandhi joined the yatra on 6 October, despite being unwell. Late journalist Gauri Lankesh’s family joined Bharat Jodo Yatra as it completed 30 days on the road. The yatra received an impressive response from the local public in Tumakuru district. It reached Chitradurga district on 11 October.

    (11-17 October)

    Rahul Gandhi met unemployed youth in Chitradurga district.[ The Congress stressed the importance of the Kannada language and regional languages like it. The yatra entered Anantapur district in Andhra Pradesh on 14 October, getting a large crowd. It reentered Karnataka the day later, completing 1000 kilometers in Bellary district.

    (18-24 October)

    The yatra reentered Andhra Pradesh via Kurnool district on October 18, before entering into Karnataka again on 21 October. The yatra entered Telangana on 23 October, followed by a 3-day Diwali break.

    (25-31 October)

    The yatra resumed in Telangana on October 27 with massive crowds following the Diwali break. It passed through many major districts such as Mahabubnagar, Narayanpet, Sangareddy, and Ranga Reddy. On 29 October 2022, the Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was joined by Tollywood actress Poonam Kaur during his walk towards Mahabubnagar district’s Jadcherla town.

    (1-7 November)

    On 1 November 2022, Late Dalit scholar Rohith Vemula’s mother joined to walk in Bharat Jodo Yatra along with Rahul Gandhi, en route to Hyderabad. Rahul Gandhi unfurled the national flag in front of the Charminar, over 32 years after his father and then party chief Rajiv Gandhi had started the Sadbhavna Yatra from the same spot in 19 October 1990. On 2 November 2022, actress and film maker Pooja Bhatt joined Rahul Gandhi in Bharat Jodo Yatra in Hyderabad on the 56th day of the yatra. On its 61st day, Bharat Jodo Yatra entered Maharashtra in evening of 7 November 2022.

    (8-14 November)

    On 10 November 2022, Bollywood actor Sushant Singh joined Bharat Jodo Yatra in Nanded, Maharashtra. On 11 November 2022, Shiv Sena leader and former Maharashtra Minister Aaditya Thackeray joined the Bharat Jodo Yatra in Hingoli district. The Bharat Jodo Yatra entered its 65th day since its beginning in September this year and fifth day in Maharashtra.

    (15-21 November)

    On 16 November 2022, activist Medha Patkar joined Bharat Jodo Yatra in Washim. On 17 November 2022, actress Riya Sen joined Bharat Jodo Yatra in Akola, Maharastra. Rahul Gandhi reiterated that Vinayak Damodar Savarkar had helped the British. On 18 November 2022, Mahatma Gandhi’s great-grandson Tushar Gandhi and actress Mona Ambegaonkar joined Rahul during Bharat Jodo Yatra in Shegaon in Buldhana district. On the day of birth anniversary of Indira Gandhi, actress Rashami Desai , Akanksha Puri and Nagma joined Bharat Jodo Yatra in Buldhana district on 19 November 2022. Actor Amol Palekar joined Bharat Jodo Yatra on its last day in Maharashtra in Jalgaon Jamod on 20 November 2022.

    (22-28 November)

    On 24 November 2022, Priyanka Gandhi and her husband Robert Vadra joined Bharat Jodo Yatra in Madhya Pradesh. Rahul Gandhi said in Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh that the goal of the yatra was a march against the hatred, violence and fear that is being spread in India. During the meeting with banana plantations and powerloom workers, from Burhanpur region Gandhi opined about unemployment and farm issues. Former CM of Madhya Pradesh, Digvijaya Singh underplayed the electoral impact of the yatra.

    (29 November-5  December)

    Bharat Jodo Yatra entered Rajasthan on 4 December 2022, a Congress ruled state for the first time. Rahul Gandhi said that Bharat Jodo Yatra has taught him things that cannot be learnt while travelling in any mode of transport, be it an aeroplane, a helicopter or any other mode. Rahul Gandhi and his fellow travelers were given a warm welcome at Chanwli Chauraha about 40 kms from Jhalawar city in a traditional Rajasthani style. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Madhya Pradesh Congress president Kamal Nath danced with tribal dancers.

    (6-12 December)

    On 9 December 2022, Congress General Secretary (Communications) Jairam Ramesh informed that Bharat Jodo Yatra will take a nine-day break on December 25 and resume on January 3, 2023. On 11 December 2022, actress Digangana Suryavanshi joined Bharat Jodo Yatra in Bundi district.

    (13-19 December)

    On 13 December 2022, Bharat Jodo Yatra resumed from Jeenapur in Sawai Madhopur district, Rajasthan. On 14 December 2022, Former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan joined Bharat Jodo Yatra in Sawai Madhopur district.

    Bharat Jodo yatra which started from Meena High Court in Dausa District completed 100 days on 16 December 2022. Himanchal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Mukesh Agnihotri deputy CM, the Congress’ chief of the state Pratibha Singh walked alongside Rahul Gandhi.The Padyatra  covered eight states in 100 days – Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka,Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Issues of common man have been highlighted through the yatra , which is its biggest achievement. Singer Sunidhi Chauhan performed at a concert marking the completion of 100 days of Bharat Jodo Yatra, at Albert Hall Museum in Jaipur on 16 December 2022. On 19 December 2022, while addressing a rally in Rajasthan’s Alwar, Rahul Gandhi highlighted the importance of English language and said that around 1,700 English medium schools have been opened in Rajasthan.

    (20-26 December)

    Former Punjab Chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi joined Bharat jodo yatra at Alwar in Rajasthan on 20 December. On 21 December 2022, Bharat Jodo Yatra entered Haryana from Mundaka border in Nuh district. Bharat Jodo Yatra resumed from Patan Udaipuri in Nuh, Haryana after the flag handover ceremony. On 23 December 2022, DMK MP Kanimozhi joined Bharat Jodo Yatra in Haryana.

  • Biggest political highlights of India in 2022

    Biggest political highlights of India in 2022

    The year 2022 has been a roller coaster ride for people as we breath in almost a Covid-free world after facing 2 years of restrictions. The political corridor came to life as soon as Covid curbs were lifted. The calendar year 2022 is going to say goodbye but not before leaving several politically significant memories. The year began with election season in the politically high-stakes Uttar Pradesh assembly election and towards the end it was PM Modi’s home state- Gujarat that witnessed BJP creating history with a massive win. Indian politics is known for full dramas, intense rhetoric and charged rallies/roadshows- the year 2022 was packed with all elements. Significantly, Central agencies- Central Burau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) remained in the news as if it is a stakeholder in politics.

    Elections 2022

    In the year 2022, Goa, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Manipur, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat and Delhi Municipal corporation (MCD) went to elections. Bharatiya Janta Party’s dominance continues in 2022. The saffron party won 5 states- Goa, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, while Congress received victory in only one state- Himachal Pradesh. The biggest surprise came from Punjab where Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) emerged as victorious dislodging Congress. This was historic poll results in terms of AAP’s political future. AAP got its first full-fledged state (Note-Delhi is not a full state, it’s a UT). BJP’s victories in UP and Gujarat were also record-breaking. In 37 years, the first time a ruling party returned to power in Uttar Pradesh. Narayan Dutt Tiwari was the last UP CM to win consecutive terms in 1985. In Gujarat, BJP broke its own record by winning 156 seats out of 182 forming government for the seventh time in the state. AAP first time breached Gujarat forte and won 5 seats. AAP also won the MCD ending BJP’s dominance of 15 years in the civic body.

    AAP Ministers

    In the year 2022, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Ministers in Kejriwal Cabinet remained in news throughout the year but for the wrong reasons. Contrary to AAP’s claim that it is a party of ‘staunch honest leaders’, Delhi Ministers- Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain landed in legal trouble on corruption charges. In fact, Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain has been in Jail since May 30 in a money laundering case and other cases. Just ahead of assembly elections in Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat, an FIR was lodged by CBI against Sisodia and his residence was raided by the Central probe agency in connection with a liquor scam. These ED and CBI moves intensified the AAP vs BJP political battle. BJP launched serious of agitations against the AAP ministers, while Kejriwal’s party successfully defended them which resulted in electoral success in MCD election and partially in Gujarat polls.

    Congress president

    Congress president election was big news because it was held after 25 years. The grand old party was being criticized for not conducting the internal election and favoring dynast politics. So, Congress finally conducted the election to shut critics. As it always happens with Congress, this internal election was also not controversy-free. Earlier, it was reported that Gandhis’ loyalist Ashok Gehlot will contest but he denied to hand over his Rajasthan chief minster post to his junior Sachin Pilot. This triggered almost a revolt in Rajasthan. Somehow party managed to deal with it and finally, Mallikarjun Kharge, a de facto, representative of Gandhis, contested and the other side, Shashi Tharoor frayed who was also one of the G-23 members who sought radical reforms in the party. The election was held on October 17, and the counting of votes took place on October 19 in which Kharge won the election amassing 7,897 votes compared to 1,072 of Shashi Tharoor.

    Nitish Kumar

    The Year 2022 has been one of the turning points for Bihar Chief Minister and Janta Dal United leader Nitish Kumar’s political career as he took another U-turn by joining Mahagathbandhan. In August, he left the NDA and formed a government with the support of Rashtriya Janta Dal (RJD). The latest U-turn laid the roadmap ahead of the crucial 2024 General Election. Recently, Nitish announced that he will run a campaign against Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) and he would not contest any election. He indirectly declared Tejashwi Yadav as his successor. However, yearend brought severe criticism for him after 72 people died due to consuming spurious liquor in Chhapra. The deaths triggered massive outrage indicating a failure of the liquor ban in the state.

    Shiv Sena

    The Year 2022 was a nightmare for Uddhav Thakeray-led Shiv Sena as it split into two sections. In June, Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde led a revolt against his own party. He along with dozens of MLAs flew to Guwahati. An absolute filmy drama was staged by Shiv Sena leaders which ended with the collapse of the MVA government. Uddhav Thackeray had to resign from CM post. Shinde took oath as Maharashtra CM with the support of BJP. The matter of ownership of the party is in Supreme Court. The development soured the political environment in the state. The arrest of Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut added fuel to the fire. The states also witnessed several high-profile arrests, including former minister- Anil Deshmukh and Nawab Malik.

    National Herald Case

    National Herald Case haunted Gandhi family in 2022. This year then Congress president Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul Gandhi, for the first time, appeared before Enforcement Directorate (ED) office. In July Sonia Gandhi whose health was not so sound due to Covid infection, appeared three times before ED. While Rahul Gandhi was grilled 5 times at ED offices. Congress registered strong reservations against ED’s move. Grand old party leaders launched nationwide protests and once they held the ‘Bharat Band’. However, they claimed the protests are against unemployment. These protests saw some violent incidents as well. Former Home Minister P Chidambaram was injured in the clash with police. He had a hairline fracture in his left rib. Congress hit headlines whenever Gandhis appeared before ED.

    Central probe agencies

    It was an unprecedented year for Central probe agencies- Enforcement Directorate and Central Bureau Of Investigation (CBI). Throughout the year 2022, these agencies have been in news. Perhaps, it has been a year of raids and arrests. They grilled top leaders like Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Manish Sisodia, DK Shiva Kumar and several others. ED arrested Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut, AAP Minister Satyendar Jain, and former Maharashtra Ministers- Anil Deshmukh and Nawab Malik.

    The year of AAP

    2022 was a red-letter year for the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). AAP become a national party after it got a huge vote share-13 per cent in PM Modi’s home state Gujarat in the recently concluded assembly election. It also won 5 seats opening its account in the western state. AAP also got success to end the 15-year dominance of the BJP in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. The success story does not end here, the 10-year-old party created history in Punjab. AAP formed a government in the state dislodging the Congress government.

    Source: IndiaTv

  • Ukraine War, Chinese Protest, Imran Khan’s Ouster; top global Events in 2022

    The year 2022 has been a tumultuous one, with many uprisings, new faces coming to prominence and dictators losing hold of power. It has been a year of economic shockers, from the West to the East. Needless to say, it has been a year of clashes and of new alliances.

    This year saw a significant rise of leaders like Ukraine President Zelensky, French President Macron and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. On the other hand, prominent international leaders, considered to have clout, including former US President Trump and Brazilian President Bolsonaro lost their power.

    There were several prominent events which shaped 2022 in their own ways. To name a few, the Ukraine War, Sri Lankan Economic crisis and the unprecedented protests in China defined the year in their unusual ways.

    UKRAINE WAR

    The Russian invasion of Ukraine, which began earlier this year in February, has entered its 300th day this month, proving to be a tough challenge for both Russia and Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin, who began a blitzkrieg assault on Kyiv taking over the eastern and southern part of the country, is now facing challenge to keep the war going amid reports of ailing health and internal strife.

    So far, over 100,000 Russian and 100,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed or injured in the war in Ukraine. For the Ukrainians, this winter is going to be tough with Russian attacks on Ukrainian power plans and consecutive Russian missile attacks. However, the war has shaped the hero out of Ukraine’s President Zelensky, who not only stood against the Russian aggression, but also managed to forge a western unity.

    SRI LANKAN CRISIS

    The Sri Lanka protests which started in April had led to the ouster of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and two-time President and former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. The Sri Lankan crisis, which started as a protest in Colombo, spread across the country with the people demanding reforms in the government.

    Ranil Wickremesinghe was elected President through a parliamentary vote, in which the Rajapaksas’ party backed him in July. The government blamed the Covid pandemic, which badly affected Sri Lanka’s tourist trade, and later led to a shortage of fuel and foreign dollars. However, many experts blame President Rajapaksa’s poor economic mismanagement.

    The country continues to remain under crisis with Colombo anticipating the IMF loan to secure the country’s economy.

    OUSTER OF IMRAN KHAN

    Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, who came to power in 2018, is the only Pakistani Prime Minister to be ousted in a no-confidence vote in Parliament earlier this year.

    Khan was ousted from power in April after losing a no-confidence vote in his leadership, which he alleged was part of a US-led conspiracy targeting him because of his independent foreign policy decisions on Russia, China, and Afghanistan.

    Since he lost the vote in Parliament, Khan has mobilized mass rallies across the country, whipping up crowds with claims that he was a victim of a conspiracy by his successor, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, and the United States.

    IRAN PROTESTS

    Iran has been rattled by protests over opposition to the mandatory hijab law as thousands of common citizens have taken to the streets.

    Iran has been rocked by protests since September 16, with the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who died after being detained by the morality police. The protests have since morphed into one of the most serious challenges to Iran’s theocracy installed by the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

    So far, the country’s police have arrested renowned actresses, footballers, actors and influencers for supporting the protests. It has also executed two protestors for participation in the protests.

    RARE PROTEST IN CHINA

    China saw two major developments this year- Xi Jinping becoming President for the third time and rare protests weeks after against tough anti-Covid restrictions.

    In November, thousands of people took to the streets in several major cities across China, including Beijing and Shanghai, to call for an end to lockdowns and greater political freedoms, in a wave of protests not seen since pro-democracy rallies in 1989 were crushed.

    Despite heavy crackdown, surveillance and censorship, the protests expanded into calls for broader political freedom and left a major negative impact on the reputation of Xi and the Party.

    US MIDTERM ELECTIONS

    The midterm elections in the US, which is usually seen as a mandate against the ruling government, failed to make a Republican sweep as the Democrats gained razor-thin control of the Senate, while the Republicans got a narrow margin against the dems in the House of Representatives.

    However, the misterms was special in the sense that it rained down on the ambitions of former President Donald Trump, who was looking forward to run for the second term, his “Make America Great Again” movement and the broader Republican agenda.

    A silver lining which came out of the midterm elections for the Republicans has been the victory of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. DeSantis is seen as the possible challenger to Trump and a possible source of revival for the GOP.

    Surging inflation, ongoing strikes, economic crisis and war in Europe: the new UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faces these major challenges. Sunak came to Power after his predecessor Truss resigned after just 44 days in power.

    After 12 years in power, the Conservative party is more divided than ever. Earlier this year, Boris Johnson had resigned as PM in July after losing the confidence of some 60 ministers.

    Sunak has become the fifth Tory prime minister since 2016 — following David Cameron, Theresa May, Johnson and Truss. The challenges continue to mount for Sunak, who hopes to get his country out of the economic and political mess.

    BOLSONARO’S EXIT

    Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, lost election in October in a nail-biting presidential vote count against Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

    Almost from the start of his controversial mandate in 2019, Bolsonaro racked up accusations and investigations for everything from spreading disinformation to crimes against humanity. He survived more than 150 impeachment bids — a record.

    Most of these were over his flawed management of the coronavirus pandemic, which claimed the lives of more than 685,000 people in Brazil — the world’s second-highest toll after the United States.

    On January 1, 2023, Bolsonaro’s arch-rival, leftist ex-president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will take over the reins once more and Bolsonaro loses his presidential immunity.

    COP27 SUMMIT

    The UN COP27 climate summit in Egypt had some success and some failures. While the summit achieved a landmark deal on funding to help vulnerable countries cope with devastating climate impacts, the talks stalled on key issues and failed to secure commitments to stop greenhouse gas emissions.

    Though the participating nations agreed to contribute to the cost of the harm an overheated planet causes to developing nations, but they concluded the talks without doing anything more to address the burning of fossil fuels, which is the primary cause of these catastrophes.

  • Senator John C. Liu

  • Melinda Katz

  • Somnath Ghosh

  • Dr. T.V. Nagendra Prasad

  • Aseem R. Mahajan

  • Dr. Swati V. Kulkarni

  • V.K. Raju, MD, FRCS

  • Dr. Dnyaneshwar M. Mulay

  • Randhir Jaiswal

  • Sant Chatwal

  • Tom Suozzi

  • Manoj Kumar Mahapatra

  • Ruchira Kamboj

  • Taranjit Singh Sandhu

  • Susmita Ghosh

    Overall impressions of 2022, anticipation for 2023

    The promising developments of 2022 will bear fruit in 2023. The businesses that have weathered the storms of late and those that continue to do so are using their strengthened resolve to propel them in future. The year 2023 is pivotal for many companies as they will see a return strategy.

    There were many wars in 2022. Throughout the world, markets and investors have felt these wars’ effects. The three significant conflicts stand out in 2022 like –

    1. The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has polarized the world’s strategic powers and threatens to undo the post-USSR expansion of international trade and commerce.
    2. The fight waged by central banks to combat the multi-decade high inflation brought on by the massive monetary easing and fiscal incentives implemented in response to the Covid pandemic.
    3. China’s ongoing fight against the Coronavirus has caused widespread illness in the country.

    In the current trend in global equities markets, financial markets could persist beyond 2023. Equity prices in developed markets and industrial commodities may continue to be volatile and under duress in 2023.

    As commodity prices fall due to demand destruction, emerging markets driven by commodities may experience extreme volatility with a negative skew. There is hope for the future of rising markets driven by services and manufacturing in the upcoming year. In the future, it’s possible that metal and energy prices may continue to fall. A sharp uptick in bond prices and a decline in gold prices could result in weaker global growth.

    New allotments should be held off until a more favorable investment time has come along. Until 2023, the current difficulties in the macro environment may remain.

    There is a great deal of promise in these forthcoming chapters in 2023. The recent events may inspire companies to devote more resources to social justice initiatives.

  • Mukesh Kashiwala

    “Be the change you want to see in this world”.

    The harmony, unity, and peace of our earth -so called our world is crumbling. Whether we are talking about the political, religious, social, or humanitarian stature.  There is more division, more distance, more hatred, and more disputes. Whether we are talking about the situation in China, India, Russia, North Korea, and etc.  Whether we are adding, and in some instances multiplying more and more gadgets, our so-called “Toys”, we are creating more distance among our own families. There has been an extraction and processing of raw materials, which is now impacting the environment and resulting in water and food shortages. These shortages have a detrimental effect on our ecosystem and have been accelerating global warming.  The snowstorms, tornados, volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, tsunamis, and hurricanes are causing havoc and destruction on a large scale.

    If we engage to provide more and more aid (in terms of weapons) for war, we are creating more danger; maybe we really are on the verge of something even worse. Is the world as we know it ending?! Would you even know until it was too late, until it was actually over?! The world of social media we live in, with Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tick-Tock, YouTube; the constant need to post, tweet, text. We are constantly surrounded by negativity – about War, world democracy, violence, inflation, crypto collapse, and the rate of inflation.

    So, what’s the goal for 2023? This world needs more spiritual leaders, artists, young thinkers, and scientists. How do we get a hold on the world population to help sustain the world and mother nature. How do we navigate in preventing further damage to our ecosystem and minimizing the effects of global warming? How do we reduce poverty by recognizing humanity and helping others?  We need to promote a peaceful and inclusive society for sustainable development; we need to be more generous. We need to provide access to a fair justice system for all.  We need to conserve water and energy, and possibly drive less.  And at the end “Be the change you want to see in this world”.

    Mukesh K. Kashiwala.

  • Tirlok Malik

    2022 World was full of challenges and it will continue in 2023

    Tirlok Malik

    Health, wealth and World peace  was one major fear or issue for a lot of people in 2022 and it will continue in 2023 also. The atmosphere around covid  is unpredictable again . Health is a real concern and we all know that wealth because rising inflation and fear of the economygoing worse than what it is now in 2022 and 2023 . Peace in the world where it is when there is  war going on some place in the world for reasons beyond a commonhuman understanding , but war is justified in closed air-conditioned offices of governments controlled by their own egos and certain wrong beliefs.

    So, 2022 was a very disturbing full of problems all over the world . I mean the outer world , then there is inner world of everybody , that’s where one has to find peacehappiness inside which is not easy when the outer world is in many conflicts. Lots of people have difficulty in finding peace within them and still many do.

    For me, personally, taking care of myself and being responsible for my wellbeing is important but I get emotionally affected by my outer world.

    I have to force myself unsuccessfully not to get affected by what is happening around me . It has disturbed my peace many times .

    Talking and sharing with friends is healing . I am grateful to the universe for everything. 2023 could be a difficult year in many ways, it seems .Let’s hope for a better year.

    My suggestion is to be responsible towards your wellbeing and learn to be more grateful to the universe and the people in your life.

    Explore within you happiness, contentment and inner peace. Once one practices this exploration then it can be easier to face challenges in life.

    Then there are realities of living such as work, family, finances, etc which bring other challenges for individuals depending on their circumstances.

    Having said this,  I still say welcome 2023 with hope and self-care responsibility.

    So, Happy New Year… It sounds good to say it and to hear it!

    (Tirlok Malik is an Emmy Nominated Filmmaker I Actor | Happy Life Yoga Speaker)

  • 2022 demands “Think to change as per the need of time in 2023”

    By Vijay Shah

    A well-known phrase is: “The impression you create may affect future opportunities, collaborations or other important matters.”

    Following a strong rebound of 2022, the global economy is entering a pronounced slowdown amongst fresh threats from COVID-19 and variants which hasthe rise in inflation, debt, and income inequality that could be endangering the recovery in evolving and developing economies. It’s a  time of global crisis.

    The slowdown of 2022 had coincided with a widening divergence in growth rates. Meanwhile, rising inflation—which hits working communities particularly hard. 2022 left the impression of downsizing economy, covid ups and down flow, high inflation globally, political scenarios and revolution in job downsizing orientated working patters had added on and on impacted scenarios where stock market fall  resulted like or looked like recession period in 2022.

    The past pandemic period time is moved with process and affected economy, political status, 401K or marketplace inflation etc… Everyone and everyone is thinking now of future : what will be the next change for good?

    Let’s not think of negativity for India. I have seen one person who made change with passing of time to positivity, process of progress, prosperity by not giving importance to self but to the nation. Economic growth of India captured global attention.

    One man made difference in building economy, national ethics, creative – positive thinking, safe,  healthy nation and many more to add, and  that person is none other than Mr. Narendra Modi who made global impact in 2022.Anyone and everyone should learn how to convert crisis into opportunities by focus, analysis, planning, implementation of policies for growth and progress for impacted achievements of India. I have learned a  lot and admire such people who made changes for “Not to Cry but for Try”. Let’s use time of crisis into opportunities, and that’s the myth in 2023.

    The time has come in 2023, when changes are needed  in many aspects. From “Office work in offices to homes”, “fixed timing of work” to “work at own pace” with task complex to completion. Buying power by going to marketplaceto shop online, driving revolution on roads by Uber, Lyft to many more, Car revolution from gas to electric…These kinds of changes make us think that should we also change with change of time? The answer is “YES”. The time has come that we all have to think to change as per the need of time and that will be the resolution for the coming 2023.

    (Mr. Vijay Shah is a photojournalist. He contributes to The Indian Panorama. He can be reached at freelanceusmedia@gmail.com)

     

  • Zafar Iqbal

    Hope for better days ahead

    Zafar Iqbal and his wife Nuzaira Azam.

    We experienced many joys and sorrows in the year 2022. The Covid-19 pandemic is almost over. The James Webb Space Telescope, which was launched on 25 December 2021 arrived at its destination in January 2022. It was a pleasure to know that an Indian lady astrophysicist played a key role in this project. We are seeing a slow but steady decline in nationalist propaganda in the USA. Many people-centric policies have been successfully passed by Congress. Let’s hope for better days ahead.

    Zafar Iqbal, Ph.D.

    Retired Scientific Advisor at the US Department of Veterans Administration.

  • Dr. Renee Mehrra

    Wishing all a blessed, joyful 2023

    Change starts with each one of us. We all are accountable for a healthy planet. My expectations for 2023 are to recalibrate our expectations, program our mind to live life of surrender to the higher self and do service to humanity with no reward or agenda in mind.

    When we have no expectations from others, we will harbor less anger, hostility and anxiety. Such a mindset will propel us to a life that is more fulfilling, a life of peace, quietude, gratitude and inner joy.

    Wishing all a blessed, joyful 2023

    Renee Mehrra

    www.reneemehrra.com

  • Sukhvinder Ranu, MD

    The year 2022 was one of the most challenging years for all of us. Let us be thankful that we are happy and safe and all set to enter 2023. The turn of the calendar is the perfect time to reflect on how you grew the previous year and plan your goals for the next. Life’s not about expecting, hoping, and wishing, it’s about doing, being and becoming. Celebrate what you want to see more of.

    With the new year comes a sense of renewal, an opportunity to bring out the best in ourselves, moving forward with positivity and purpose.I hope that 2023 holds success and good fortune in any endeavor you pursue.As we celebrate New Year, let us not forget to thank the Almighty for keeping us and our loved ones safe during continued challenges from coronavirus pandemic and other respiratory illnesses. Warm wishes on New Year to you.

    Sukhvinder Ranu, MD & Family

                                (Sukhvinder Ranu is a New York based  physician)

  • Paul Chhabra

    “High Inflation, supply chain and Interest rate increases have continued to cause economic uncertainty over the past year. Global pandemic has proven to be one of the most challenging in the past. With Covid moving in and out of the spotlight there were many other moments that caught our attention- from royals to reality. Whether dining in and dining out taught us that food has meaning that goes well beyond calories and comfort. It was a good year for our organizational efforts but there are many reasons to be skeptical. The war in Ukraine drone strikes in Afghanistan, covid lock downs, the Beijing Olympics, the death of queen Elizabeth, these were among the biggest global stories of the last year. late in the year and late in the launch, NASA’s Artemis 1 moon mission rocket blasted off and completed its mission, putting the state’s Kennedy Space Center back in headlines. The past year has seen no shortage of disruptive cyber-attacks targeted governments, hospitals, cryptocurrency firms, and many other organizations with impunity.

    As the new year approaches, economic cheer is scarce on the ground amid a darkening outlook marked by recession and persistent inflation. Investors will have to remain cautious and look for the silver linings in 2023 as the world economy slows down. The housing market will crash or it will correct itself from the double-digit percentage seen in home prices last year. The market may continue to face choppiness in 2023 as investors navigate potentially declining earnings and rates high for longer than expected. I believe it’s most likely that the market won’t experience a significant downtrend or uptrend for the year and may instead follow a sideways path. 2023 could be a fairly decent year for the capital market. If the economy avoids a recession, there could be a good-sized snapback in stocks”.

    (Paul Chhabra is a restauranter based in Virginia)