This year and last

The new year starts with something very special in the history of United States, namely the inauguration of the first black president. It is indeed a moment to be remembered for ages, and represents a lot of struggle and dreams and hardship spanning several centuries. While it does not imply that the racial problem is solved, it does represent a big leap in that direction.

I also believe that this year will be very special for CNSI. There are two very large projects that will witness significant milestones, and will be very important events for the company. Many people have made sacrifices over the last several years, and it will be very special to see the fruits of those.

Last year, albeit difficult, was a very good year. I read a lot of good books, and learned a lot in the area of making self-improvements. I am quite certain that many of the things I learned will become parts of my life and will make me a better person. I also fulfilled one of my goals, which was to do a sky dive. I jumped out of an airplane from 18,000 feet high, and what an experience that was!

My daughter participated in an event that went into the Guinness book of world records, and that was very special for all of us. She danced the Kuchipudi dance form along with 331 other dancers from all over the world and this was the largest such performance in the world.

Hope that 2009 will be very special for everyone, and in particular I wish that we will come to some permanent resolution on all the war fronts, including Gaza, Iraq and Afghanistan, now that we have new leadership.