Daniel Syiem, Fashion Designer
Anyone who has gone through a life changing experience will tell you there is a different understanding of what is real and what is important.
I consider myself one of the fortunate few to go through a life altering experience for the better.
This year has been nothing more than an emotional, spiritual and mental roller coaster ride. I started this year battling my mental and physical health that led to four to five months of fighting for my life in a hospital. The fight was real and challenging, but I was not alone. The love, care, medical support and most importantly, the prayers and my faith helped me get me through those darkest times in my life.
I came out not just a survivor, but a stronger person mentally, physically and yes, spiritually.
Coming out of all of this, my biggest learning has been not to take anything for granted, particularly the love of my near and dear ones.
My prayer for everyone, including myself as we enter 2023, is a year filled with love, happiness, and of course, good health… because these are the basic ingredients of a meaningful life.
Amen!
Sam Kharbih, Entrepreneur
When I look back at 2022, all I see is battling inflation, unemployment, and social instability, to name a few. Many small businesses have been affected by this, especially the weaker sections of the society. Though we have seen the government implemented various schemes and provided many subsidies to overcome financial hardships, the question remains – is it enough?
For the coming year, I am looking forward to better economic and social stability, including sustained efforts to generate employment and skill development programmes.
Abhinandan Deb, Entrepreneur
2022 was a joyful year for me. Even if all of my resolutions did not come to fruition, some of the experiences turned out to be amazing. I explored new places in Meghalaya and Tripura.
As a lover of Indian mythology, I discovered this gem of a place called Unakoti in Kailashahar district. This place is steeped in mythology and offers a space to hike and witness beautiful sunsets.
In Meghalaya, I visited Majai, near Shella. Go with a plan to stay for a day or two. The British-made Tharia Bridge is a must-see… said to be over 200 years old. Locals believe it is haunted and stories revolve around sightings.
As we welcome 2023 with open hearts, here’s my simple resolution… let’s not destroy Mother Nature with plastic and beer bottles, and keep our hearts open for new experiences.
Wilanika Bamon, Doctor at Supercare Hospital, Shillong and Dr. Norman Tunnel Hospital, Jowai
Looking forward to 2023 with more love, excitement, gratitude, optimism, new challenges, experiences and to making more friends and not forgetting what 2022 has taught and blessed us with love, compassion, empathy and kindness towards one another, especially being thankful to God for a normal life back from the global pandemic.
A special thanks to everyone fighting Covid-19… whether at home, hospital, border security, the pharmaceutical companies, every department who is directly and indirectly involved for being relentless and making humanity a word in itself, for continuation of the race.
Being from the health department, I wish 2023 to be more educational and bring greater awareness to the people regarding their health especially the ‘To Be Mothers’ regarding antenatal check-up, vaccines, the need for hospital delivery and to abandon the practice of home delivery altogether, which is still practiced in Meghalaya – the number of mortality decreases as development of a state/country starts by reduction in mortality.
Hoping 2023 will be a year of empowerment and encouragement to one and all with a spirit to uplift one another.
Barnana D. Choudhury, Beauty Queen/Model
2022 has been one of the most eventful years of my life, despite the challenges it carried. We learnt to adapt and thrive.
Having a full-time job with a media company consumed the entirety of my nights, which showed me the value of creating a mindful balance in life.
During the day, I worked on my self and passion and spent the nights creating financial independence that taught me the true meaning of woman empowerment.
Be it financially or mentally, I discovered my own strength. Thanks also to the constant love and support from my family and loved ones.
I wanted to feel a sense of freedom this year… my heart was set on it.
At the moment, I am observing if we will prepare for another wave of Covid-19. I’m ready to see how we can adapt and keep evolving into a better, stronger and more resilient than ever before.
2023 will be about solidifying my claims on the crowns I’ve won and embrace the world of technology by branching out into more platforms to raise awareness where women (like myself) will be heard, with a focus on global problems that have plagued us for a long time. I want to be the change that matters and show the world that yes “I am a woman and yes I can”’
Aadrita Chakravorty, PR Executive
My keywords for 2022 – challenging, eye-opening, confusing and enlightening!
Normally, years would pass by making no impact but the last three years were anything but normal and ordinary. If 2020 and 2021 taught us to embrace unpredictability, chaos and hope, 2022 taught us to face life head-on with the lessons learnt in the past two years… and boy was it hard!
The first problem I had was accepting the new taxi fares. From Rs 10 to 30, I felt like I had shifted realities. Second, I had forgotten how to communicate like a normal human being. Next year, can we still greet people when we meet them or get straight to the point? Can we still say “Hey, I cannot hear you, I have internet connectivity issues” in real life when we want to escape a conversation? Will it be safe to hug my loved ones? Having a routine and going to work… seems like humanity has woken up from a deep slumber.
Can’t wait to see how 2023 unfolds!
Anjali Singh, a national-level shooter from Meghalaya.
2022 has been challenging for everyone, yet, a little better than the two years prior to it. Surrounded by fear of another Covid wave, I made it through like everyone else.
I had the privilege to participate in the North East Olympic Games and win several medals, making my family and friends proud.
I also had the opportunity to visit Kerala and Guwahati for my game. The year went by beautifully – many lessons learnt; many memories made.
I am looking forward to the new year, hoping to perform better in my game and strive harder to ensure my loved ones are proud of me. While 2023 is round the corner, the fear of another fresh Covid wave is lingering in our minds. I, therefore, hope and pray that 2023 brings no wave, but only happiness and growth.
Ananya Sharma, a home baker.
2022 has been a roller coaster, yet a wonderful year for me with uncountable blessings and various experiences.
A year filled with gratitude for all that I learnt, and those that brought immense happiness and jollity every single day.
My baking business has grown, where I learnt new recipes and sufficed the taste buds of many. Another experience from my bucket list was that I completed saving money in an authentic ‘Sand Piggy Bank’. After being a miser the entire year, I was able to save a huge amount of 46 K, it made me beatific.
I expect 2023 to, likewise, be kind and gentle to me, my family and everyone around the world. I hope the new year gives me new opportunities to learn and grow stronger as a person and as a baker.
I wish The Meghalayan team, its readers and everyone a very happy new year.
Suparna Shyam, Lawyer at the High Court
2022 has been pivotal in many ways. I have realised that life gets easier if only we are open to change and accept life as it comes. The few things that I wish to highlight are:
Certain lessons will stay with me forever. There is value in de-cluttering things and people for a better clarity in life; that procrastination doesn’t serve any purpose – the earlier difficult decisions are taken, the better. We aren’t getting any younger; financial tracking is important. As they say, “tell your money where to go before your feelings do”; travelling is important and its time I start engaging myself in things I have always wanted to achieve. Life has begun in my thirties; and peace over everything else.
I am on my path to self-discovery and have found that there is true peace when my actions, words and thoughts are aligned. So, my hope for 2023 is to evolve into a more focused, passionate and kinder me.
Deeksha Mishra, MSc Biotechnology, St Anthony’s College
2022 was a year of growth and opportunities. A year of experimenting on plant and spending time learning new techniques in the laboratory.
Despite war and climatic changes, it was a year full of ups and downs. Stil,l I sailed through.
Here we are… all set to welcome 2023 with open arms and optimism. I look forward to this new year where I stay away from junk food and spend time in nature. Explore more places in Meghalaya and add new experiences to my life.
I hope 2023 brings new energy and positivity… one that teaches us to be human in every manner possible.
Amit Mehta, Ex Wing Commander, Indian Air Force
2022 has been an awesome year for me. I decided to quit my job as an Air Force Pilot to follow my passion for photography and videography.
I am working hard to reach my goal, and establish myself in the field of landscape photography and videography.
For 2023, I’m going to prioritise my passion and hope for prosperity on the way.
My wish for everyone is to follow your passion and dreams and achieve them wholeheartedly. Godspeed!