The moment clock’s second hits midnight and the year 2023 slips away in the realm of history. We step into the optimism of 2024.
Two images flash; one switches off, and the other switches on, reflecting two storylines: an imprint of the old one, while the history begins with the new one.
Do we spot any change around our lives between circa 2023 night and 2024 morning?
We view, observe and experience daily routines as of December 31, which looks ditto the next day, January 1. The coffee emanates the same aroma on New Year’s Day.
The hummingbirds continue fluttering, stopping for a few sips of sweetened water on our deck. The winter on mountains would not change its covering overnight to pine green.
Those who sleep on the streets still collect the cardboard to slumber. And the back-lane street warriors would not get a New Year raise from their assortment of empties collection.
Conflicts and wars continue to eclipse the planet Earth.
Yesterday’s entities would turn into today’s realities. Nothing expires in this universe, except things change to another shape.
The good and bad of ’23 may get a new edition in a new frame of ’24. The weatherman would advance some changes in the movements of clouds and temperature, or as usual, “a mix of cloud and sun….”
So, what is the big deal about the New Year “hungama,” the exciting noise?
Our frenzy and motivation lie in decisions, declarations, resolutions, and optimism.
We roll out and exchange the New Year messages of greetings and the exchange of best wishes for a “happy, healthy, and peaceful” 2024.
The social greetings look familiar, formal, ritualistic, and ceremonial.
However, the annual rituals inspire an environment to think of a new beginning. The inauguration covers all our lives, from health to relations, commitments, and resolutions.
The freshness of the new year lifts the spirit to review, readjust and resolve our activities. In this vitality, our thinking influences our actions.
The law of karma reminds us of “what we sow, so shall we reap” in 2024 and beyond.
Good thoughts result in good actions. By sowing the seeds of goodwill, we create well-being for ourselves, others, humanity, and our shared environment.
Together, we enjoy the fruits of good karmas or actions. Individuals’ good karmas impact the society we belong to, the nation and the universe, collectively creating a better world.
Peace and prosperity descend on our shared global village. We see no poverty, no more migrants in their sinking boats or at the high border walls, no violence and no wars, and a world with wise, sensible, and selfless leaders for peace and happiness on this planet.
It is with that vision I resolutely say Happy New Year.
Promod Puri
Promod Puri resides in Vancouver, Canada. He is the former editor, publisher and founder of The South Asian Canadian newspaper The Link, published from Surrey, Canada. Puri is the author of ‘Hinduism beyond rituals, customs and traditions’. Websites: promodpuri.com, progressivehindudialogue.com
More stories by Promod Puri
