OPERATION VIRASAT!

Wikipedia today lists 42 wars across the world! Yes, Ground Zero keeps a count of them and does case studies too. Because ‘wars’ (originating from the word ‘worse’) give so much to learn from. Shouldn’t learning always start from a Dictionary? So let us leave Wikipedia and go to Websters for definitions. Well, wars are not only the bad bloody ones we read about so often. Meanings range from struggle, challenge, competition, sustained campaign, crusade, mission, drive and similar… (If I don’t stop here, my ‘Generals’ image may have to be substituted with that of a Padre.)

What I like is that with those kind of positive meanings, at this juncture when IIID officially completes one year, Ground Zero is a most relevant name to describe our ‘War Room’. I can even say that we have battlefronts more in number than the 42 listed in Wikipedia. Our persistent perusal on the 19 noble objectives of IIID led by the EC, coupled with the big ‘Battle for the Masses’ we are engaged in at 29 war posts fought by our brilliant Chairmen, make 48 wars on the go! Each so critical that we do not have any other option than to win all.

As if these struggles are not enough, Insite - IIID’s emboldened spokesperson (turned conscience keeper?) has started posting ‘issues’ for us to ponder every month! Just as you wonder what will be up after the huge hit on Arts and Crafts via October issue, they are here with ‘Heritage’! Um... Time to Google again! Here we go people! Mark Twain said; India is the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend and the great grandmother of tradition. Our most valuable heritage in the history of mankind is treasured in India only.Wow! What more do we need as a certificate. But then look at what Tharoor says; ‘India is not, as people keep calling it, an underdeveloped country, but rather, in the context of its history and cultural heritage, a highly developed one in an advanced state of decay.’ Hello, that calls for some action, another mission, another war. Operation Virasat! Beautiful name for a beautiful cause we need to take up.

Thus, with Arts & Crafts and now Heritage, we have 50 wars (and counting) to fight for and time is running short. Another year and it is time to declare the wins. Lots to do. We bite bullets and march ahead. (Hello, read our punch list on the left. Victory and glory for IIID! (If anybody can think of a better war cry, please let me know).