And for the first Friday of the New Year, some thoughts….. some musings…..
At the outset let me wish all my FB friends, relatives, colleagues and every one close to me, here’s wishing each of you a Happy 2025 full of Peace, Happiness and Good Health. Those of us born in the fifties, the last seven decades have been phenomenally eventful; having seen India transit thru unbelievable changes, economic prosperity and comforts. Early childhood in Poona (now known as Pune), travel to other cities particularly to South India was only by train. The coal engines had a special excitement to sit by the window seat and get hit by small coal and ash particles. By the time you arrived at the destination, 24 to 40 hours later, whole face and body was blackened. My best memories are of the unique carry on baggage called “Hold-all”. It was indeed a very special item, especially designed for tough train travel. Made of Duckback Canvas, it had large pockets into which neatly folded sheets, blankets, clothes, toiletries and almost everything to be transported would find its place. Folding and packing it needed travel expertise. It had leather handles attached to built in belts. Once packed properly, it was a secure carry on into the train compartment. During the sixties, there were serious food shortages. Rice wheat and cereals were only available from “Ration Shops”. Milk was in glass bottles for which family members were assigned morning duties to stand in queue. Aluminium Badges with identification number ensured that just two bottles could be collected by every family. In the seventies and eighties, foreign exchange was scarce. Those who had to travel had severe restrictions. Total of 500 dollars could be the allowance irrespective of the number of days of foreign travel. Every dollar spent had to be accounted and details provided to the RBI on completion of trip. Many, many such memories for our generation to reminisce and now be happy at our remarkably easy life conditions.
In a few days this month, America will have a new President. Will it speed up or slow down India becoming the third largest economy. Well let’s wait. Will Crypto currency get legalised? Which way are the Share Markets going? How will the Rupee behave? How will Geopolitics play out? Well, let’s wait. As the new year unfolds, all the queries will get answered.
Let’s be positive. Let the new year bring us all happiness, the peaceful way, the equitable way, the SEEGOS way.