2013 to 2104....

It’s the time to rejoice, we have outlived a year (again)…

Thank you God for giving us the opportunity to live a healthy life and enjoy the pleasures, learn through the tough times, meet new people, create new bonds, gain new perspectives and experiences and last but not the least, learn to respect life and value time. J

It’s December 31^st today and it’s my time to reflect on the year that was and the year that will be…yeah, it’s my time for New Year resolutions….

1.  Stay fit – exercise regularly, eat healthy
2. Pursue passions – music continue with riyaaz, write more, read more – form opinions on global events, be aware of the latest be it in technology, science, fashion, anything
3. Explore more 
4. Travel more – to adventurous destinations, a jungle safari, climbing a mountain, exploring hard terrains

For me 2013 was more of putting to practice whatever I had learnt in my b-school. The year was more of learning, be it at a new job, making new friends, building professional relationships, conceptualizing, designing, and managing events, and projects and handling clients.

On a not-so personal front, the country witnessed a huge upheaval against corruption and short-sighted political agendas. This protest was special because it was not politically motivated, but was driven by the common man. The people who came forward formed a political party and their leader today is the common man. He is the CM of Delhi and the world waits how he pursues his party goals.

This revolution was witnessed not only in India but the world over people united against corruption and a lack luster political system. We witnessed the Arab spring that shook the autocratic regimes in the MENA region.  The world is changing, lets pray for the better. People are opening up to democratic ruling and regimes today threatened by this wave of change are ready to share power with the populace.

Digitization is bringing the world closer by passing on information faster. Autocratic regimes are crumbling take the example of Ukraine where people are protesting against their leader supporting and echoing a particular neighbour’s opinions or Syria where the world forced America to take the necessary actions if Syria did not concede. And of course how can one forget the riots in Bangladesh and Thailand against the ruling governments.

The global economies are still battling the after effects of loose monetary policies and living in the fear of the potential tapering off of the Quantitative Easing by the Fed. There are some green shoots seen across the developing countries, but this is mostly uneven growth. Even as the world shifts it’s focus on emerging markets, corporations need to understand the regulatory risks and volatile growth that they might face in these economies.

Overall, 2013 was a difficult year given the natural (typhoon ) and the man-made disasters. But let’s pray that the year 2014 will ring in happiness and prosperity to all. Let the people’s rule define politics, let R&D, science and innovation pave the way for a healthier future and let education create opportunities for the youth.

On this positive note, here’s raising a toast to the year that was and the year that will be..! Happy New Year! 

What's changing our world?

Have you recently doubted your intelligence because you did not know how to operate the latest nexus5? Or were you surprised to learn about the new virtual currency “bitcoins”?

If the answer to the above questions is “yes” (thanks for that by the way) then let me tell you that we are sailing in the same boat J

Technology is changing at a nano second speed and being wired to the latest “IT” has become the new norm. Societies all over the world are going through major changes. These changes or what sociologists call “Megatrends” are re-shaping our world; actually changing old (hitherto expected to die hard) habits!

Change Thinkers (now this is a new term too, and took me a while to catch on to it) have listed down 4 megatrends that according to them are changing the world scenario and to which governments will have to pay more attention.

1.       Demographic shifts and accelerating urbanization
2.       Shifts in economic power
3.       Resource scarcity and climate change
4.       Digitization

Sociologists say (it’s still difficult to say Change Thinkers) global population is ageing and some societies are ageing faster than others.  So while the supply of working age population declines in these countries, some countries will continue to be “baby boomers” and have a growing working age population.  The implications of these demographic shifts will have a bearing on government budgets and policies.

According to a UN report on world population, we will have 360 million older workers leaving the workforce by 2050. This implies the increasing burden on medicare facilities; a huge dent on the government budget and expenses. The increasing working age population on the other hand will lead to increasing urbanization as population moves to the cities in search of better work opportunities. The governments will have to increase investments in housing, education and food (agriculture) for sustenance of this population.

 The financial crisis of 2008 has changed the way the world looks at developing markets today. Developing economies are increasing being looked at as growth drivers because of the increasing disposable incomes and consumption power that resides within them.  This economic shift is evident as all major global corporations shift their regional headquarters to these geographies.

The 3^rd megatrend affecting the world is scarcity of resources and climate change. By 2030 it is estimated that the world will need 50% more energy, 40% more water and 35% more food. By and large governments are finding it difficult to sustain populations on depleting natural resources. Impacts of climate change will include rising sea levels, water shortages, food scarcities, and extreme weather conditions. It’s thus important to use the available resources wisely if we wish to leave behind a better planet for the future generations.

Digitization has completely changed the scope of human existence. Globalization has indeed made the world flat leaving very few economies decoupled in the true sense. Technological breakthroughs are saving millions of lives today by investing in drugs, better medical facilities, feeding millions and eradicating fatal diseases.

It is thus becoming extremely important to adapt to these changes in order to be a true global citizen. So it’s never too late to learn how to use that “new touch screen” mobile or read up and ask questions on the latest in technology. I have started this journey by learning to navigate the ipad and of course the latest nexus5; it’s your turn now….