By the time you are reading this, the New Year has already rung in. The air around you now is of happiness, hope and the promise of a fresh beginning. It is the time we say goodbye to the old and embrace the commitment of the new.
When we talk about New Year celebrations, we find that they have evolved over the years from quiet family affairs reflecting on the societal norms to a blend of tradition and modernity and extravagant showcases of joy.
Today broadcasts of events like the Ball Drop in Times Square or the fun down at Sydney Harbour Bridge have become a global phenomenon. Social media has also played a role, enabling people to share their celebrations and resolutions instantaneously with friends and family worldwide.
However, beginning of the New Year is still the perfect time to make a change for the better, as this day stands as a springboard to great personal growth. It is like a new calendar enabling us to fill in the blanks with ambitious home and personal improvement ideas.
This is the day every year that we wish each other a happy year ahead; go to places of worships; take the blessings of elders; try to spend our time with family and friends and look forward to the unfolding year in a very happy, positive and hopeful frame of mind.
I believe many of you who are reading this might have already prepared an ambitious list of commitments for the New Year. Many of you might have also taken resolutions to correct mistakes and make improvements.
But most importantly, we review the year just ended and list our accomplishments and disappointments, memorable moments and so on. Nobody else is responsible for what we do in our life.
The future to come is ours; what is about to come from today on is ours and we are the architects of our lives, our success, our happiness, our relationships and our careers. At the same time, neither we can satisfy all, nor can we be in the good books of all.
Yeah, reminiscing in 2024 also means analysing what went wrong, reworking on it and trying to redefine and rectify those mistakes in a way that we can craft and shape a better 2025.
For me, the past year has taught me that my battles are my own and I may trust all or feel to be trusted, but it is not always true. I learned and trained myself with a combination of tears and laughter!
Globally, in 2024, tensions reached new heights as major conflicts, political upheavals, and technological advancements dominated headlines. The year has wreaked havoc in the lives of millions in the world. Throughout 2024, hope has been difficult to find.
As UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ 2025 New Year message points out, “Wars are causing enormous pain, suffering and displacement. Inequalities and divisions are rife — fuelling tensions and mistrust.”
The ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict with thousands of casualties has fuelled regional instability. After more than a thousand days, the war is still continuing between Russia and Ukraine with no end in sight.
“In 2025, countries must put the world on a safer path by dramatically slashing emissions and supporting the transition to a renewable future. It is essential — and it is possible,” Guterres said in his message.
Devastating floods destroyed lives and property in Brazil and Kenya. Wildfires scorched South America's forests. Blistering heat waves hit cities in India and the US.
It has been a record year for elections around the world, with more than half of the planet’s population voting in over 60 countries. In the United States, we found Donald Trump coming to power again.
I come back to where I started. The New Year Day represents joy, strength and optimism for a better future. It fosters a sense of renewal and unity, bringing people together across all cultures and borders.
I wish a very happy New Year 2025 to every Observer reader and may all your dreams come true with new blessings and sparkles of happiness.
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