We are in another New Year. Another year of challenges and hassles. The year 2018 in many ways will witness unprecedented shifts and changes which could lead the world to durable peace or unending troubles of wider implications. Durable peace on earth depends on total cooperation between the world nations both small and

big. These nations are trying hopelessly to tackle issues which affect their very own existence and survival. Retrograde powers are trying their best or worst to create confusion and chaos all over the world. Issues range from serious political ones to those borne of communal strifes and gender controversies. To minimise the fears and angst of the masses who live in the different parts of the world, genuine cooperation and goodwill are needed among the nations of the world. The pity of it all is that we are all divided on petty issues. Unfortunately enough, the powerful nations fail to see eye to eye and stand mostly on selfish motives. And it is difficult to overcome the hurdles and achieve the dream of world peace unless the relations are based on goodwill among the nations. As a matter of fact, it is a question of peaceful coexistence or no existence at all. Let’s move hand in hand to create a brave new world order aimed at achieving durable peace and order all around the world. Let’s make the skies bluer and hearts happier. As for Mother India, I expect and fervently hope that the ruling party will follow principles of true secularism and lead the people into times where they will give priority to the developmental projects rather than being misled on the sheer basis of any one religion. God save India.

- The reader is based in India