WITH THE GENERAL ELECTIONS 2014 around the corner, Indian politics is set to change. After all, in the past few decades, urban and semi-urban attitudes and aspirations have changed. The new generation of Indians is more self-assured than their parents ever were. Their needs are different. They possess a higher degree of education and skills. The result; leaders who are being, or will be, asked to represent the Generation Y will also have to be different from party patriarchs you and I grew up with. The generational shift has already shown up in the way these party patriarchs have been sidelined in the current elections. Also new party alliances are being shaped everyday. Regardless of what the outcome may be—the way I perceive it—Indian politics is set to change. Whether it would be for the better, remains to be seen; but I remain hopeful.
The biggest change of them all will be the possibility to vote for none of the candidates—the NOTA option. Whether you choose a candidate—or choose none—my request, especially to those voting for the first time, is to spend some thought on your decision. This is not the future of the country alone, it is your future at stake as well. Your decision will speak volumes of you as a person.
The magazine, too, will undergo minor changes in the meanwhile. With the code of conduct in place, it is safe to assume that we will let politicians do what 2014they do the best—manage the political affairs of this country. Expect more people from business, science, sports and performance arts backgrounds to grace our covers in the coming months.
We start with the brightest, shinning star of poetry—Gulzar. Most of us owe our love for Bollywood or Hindi film or Urdu poetry to this living legend—even if our mother tongues were not Hindi or Urdu. His rags to riches story is inspirational, and his characteristic dismissal of fame is deeply humbling. Here is our ode to the wordsmith’s greatest gift to us—his poetry.
We hope you love it as much as we loved writing it. Also, we take a closer look at the olive oil belt thanks to Marryam H. Reshii. Brush up your social media marketing skills with Tushar Kanwar. And we introduce you to this lovely little cafe tucked inside Pragati Maidan.
As always share your feedback with us and exercise your right wisely!