The year 2011 is coming to an end. Let’s quickly take a look back and iterate through the events which influenced us—positively or unfavorably, and personally or as a group. While some of those would bring cheerful memories of the past, a few might leave a thread or two of unpleasant moments.

 Remember that year end is the time to mull over the past, learn from those incidents that touched upon our minds and hearts, and set the recourse  for the upcoming year 2012. Let each of us have our own ‘Lessons Learned’ session and make the year 2012 even a more successful year than the previous years.

 The year 2012  needs special mention. First of all, the year starts with the first day of the week—Sunday. Then  it is a leap year and that means any one who was born on Feb. 29 can celebrate his/her birthday after waiting for 4 long years! And thirdly, this is the only leap year where Friday the  13^th occurs three times in the year with three months apart (in January, April, and July).

 In fact, there is a fourth and probably a fifth factor too about the new year. Some may argue the 2012 is not so new and it has already happened in the year 2009. We mean the movie, 2012, a disaster movie (and a disastrous movie too!); and a few others may believe in the Mayan  Prophecy of 2012 and approach the year skeptically or even apocalyptically.

 Whichever way you approach the new year, bear in mind that good deeds that we do in our lives is what ultimately counts. Remember the quote of what the great Chanakya said: “A man is great by deeds, and not by birth”.

 Nagarathars have always believed in loving & caring and they have placed the loving & caring of others over themselves.  And so, the New Year is the best time to pledge for good causes and support those who are less fortunate, specially challenged, and socially deprived. The doors of several philanthropic entities are wide open and so is our own not-for-profit organization, the NSNA.

 This issue of NANAL covers Nagarathars’ philanthropic work and uncovers what has changed the way in which we help each other, how it has evolved over time, and what we could or should do to contribute to the society in a more effective way.

 In an effort to better understand the reality of changes back at home, the NANAL Team has interviewed the prominent All India Radio (AIR) personality and a multi-faceted Nagarathar, Mr. Jeyamkondan, 73,  of Melasivapuri, who is the first Nagarathar to compere and anchor in the national radio broadcasting channel. He has given us the compelling reasons for the changing trends in philanthropy.  Don’t forget to read his exclusive interview on page 9 of this issue.

  Happy Reading! And, we wish you all a  very Happy New Year 2012!

 
  Warm Regards - Suku & Pal