Season's Greetings to all! It is the best time of the year to enjoy holidays and shop around for the best deals. As I write this, it looks as though I am sitting somewhere in the Himalayas with snow all around. What a beautiful sight! The trees look as if they are dipped in pure white snow. Water fronts are frozen. The ducks seem to have vanished. Wonder where they went in this cold!
In just a few days, we will say Goodbye to 2008 and get ready to welcome 2009. This is usually the time to review events in the current year. For me personally, it was a satisfying year as I had the opportunity to travel to India with my sahadharmini and visit places that I had always wanted to. My wife and I were really blessed to visit Pandharpur - the holy abode of Lord Panduranga in Maharashtra. It was the most exciting experience that I ever had.
Pandharpur is situated on the banks of River Bhima. As the river at this city flows in the shape of a crescent moon, it is called 'Chandrabhaga.' Standing on a small stone-platform is the black idol of Lord Pandurang, also called Vittal. The Lord is believed to be an avatar of Vishnu.Only at this place, I was fortunate to touch the idol's feet and bow my head at the feet of the Lord.
I can write a lot more on other places that I visited but then it would become a travelogue. My intention is just to share a few thoughts on 2008 and my hopes for 2009.
As an old saying goes "Always expect the unexpected." So it was with 2008. The year witnessed some of the most unexpected events such as:
-The subprime crisis in the US leading on to the crash of the financial markets globally.
-For the first time in the history of USA, a black American is elected to become the next president.
-The terror attacks in Mumbai killing over 170 people, and injuring hundreds.
-The steep fall of the oil prices after climbing a record high.
The media had a busy time churning out updates on all these events while people watched with varying emotions.
At the end of every year, I nurture the fond hope that the New Year will bring in peace,happiness and prosperity to all. For Hope is, according to Alexandre Dumas in his famous novel"The Three Musketeers", "the last thing extinguished in the heart of man."
So, with high hopes for a bright New Year, let me say "Welcome 2009!". May God bless all. Sarve Janah Sukhino Bhavantu! Let everyone be happy!
No comments:
Post a Comment