Dear Fellow Members,

Greetings to all of you.

I read and I quote, “Even after all this time, the sun never says to the earth: You owe me. Look what happens with a love like that. It lights the whole sky.” Unquote, does our Institute owe anything or do we owe the Institute? An important question, a big one, one that would invite a debate. Can each one of us be like that sun, which never says “you owe me”? If we can, then like the sun that lights up the whole sky, we too can light up the whole profession and, thereby, the fraternity.

A daily newspaper writes, “India is the world's largest democracy, now make it the deepest one.” Perhaps true even for IIID, which is India's largest body for the profession of Interior Design; it is time to make it the deepest one. The question is how? IIID must become a deeper, committed, more involved and more inclusive Institute. The Bible says, “Nations without vision shall perish.” It also holds true for any organisation or institute. It is said that “if you do not know where you are going, you will end up somewhere else”. That calls for a united vision, united effort and united approach. To unite us, we need a shared vision of the goal and the path we take towards it. I appeal to all Chapters and Centres to work on the goals given at the beginning of the term. If each takes up activities/events based on the goals, we will see unified action that will benefit the profession and will help us make our presence felt in society. We, at the IIID head office, are trying to streamline processes and administration — in the form of Treasurer's Manual, Guidelines for Managing Committee meeting, the newly launched website, new information brochure and much more.

To enhance professional skills, we have announced several design awards. It is time we participate; I am sure you have in IIID Anchor awards. Further, to expand and learn by sharing and imparting, we are hosting a very prestigious international convention — APSDA 2012 Convention — in Goa on February 16-17, 2012. I extend a warm welcome to all of you and urge you to participate. Please spread the news of this convention, register yourself and encourage others to register. It is your event, it is their (APSDA member countries') event, but more importantly it is IIID's event and therefore, OUR event. May we join hands and make the APSDA 2012 Convention a grand success!

With regards to my IIID family,

Ar. Bankim Dave