Dr. M .M. Goel* : To welcome 2013, we need to be ready with understanding, analysis and interpretation of our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT analysis). We need to do so for adopting strategies for happiness of all, opportunities for everyone, peace of minds and empowerment of human beings including women at all levels (micro and macro) (HOPE) in the global knowledge economy.
Let us face the challenges of crisis with boldness and strong willpower with pragmatic approach. Morality in every sector of the economy is the need of the hour. We have to establish our credibility of honest and hardworking manpower. Accountability to one’s true-self is necessary and sufficient condition for the survival, existence and excellence in every vocation and profession. We have to develop the abilities of head and heart for taking rational decisions under conditions of certainty as well as uncertainties and risks.
The skills are required to be sharpened for facing any crisis such as viruses in our computers with saving files in folders in drive D, E & F for avoiding depression, discontent and deprivations (3Ds) in development. To convert knowledge from information in websites (www), we have to spend time on internet not only for downloading but uploading also.
To change the situations in 2013 for us, let us be aware of the prevailing circumstances and be ready for changes with strong willpower and courage. Let everyone make sincere efforts to achieve expertise to become unique even if weak like the writer to exist in the forest where survival of fittest is the mantra. Everyone has a right to live and develop and coexist and cooperate in competition which is healthy as well as unhealthy.
To face corruption, inflation, unemployment and poverty, we have to adopt good governance as a development strategy (SMART- Simple, moral, action oriented, responsive and transparent administration). The manpower needs to be SIMPLE (Spiritual, intuitional, mentally alert, physically developed, love oneself attitude with higher emotional quotient). There is a strong case for manpower planning and inflation targeting in an economy.
Economics is a necessary subject for everyone as consumer, producer, distributor and trader to learn and comprehend. It is really a queen of social sciences but has reduced its stature because of the human behaviour on which it is based. The present economic crisis compelled us to believe that economics is not sufficient to solve all the problems of the people.
To make economics sufficient, we have to look around with spiritual input and avoid plagiarism (the intellectual theft) in our research endeavors which is a moral and ethical offence rather than a legal one. Let me teach economics with expertise to be endeared by my students. Let me be called he and his wonky economics as titled by the editor of University Today.
To reduce the deficits ( fiscal, budget, revenue, primary) at macro levels, we need to enhance the strengths (at micro level) of manpower , reduce weaknesses as citizens of democracies, explore and identify opportunities for employment within and outside the country and be ready for facing the threats with boldness, courage and commitment.
To bridge the gaps in life, we need to understand the consumption- investment paradox. We have to learn to differentiate between consumption and investment. It is the faith and confidence in GOD for which we have to devote time in daily life -the real investment capable of removing the stress and tensions of all kinds.
To move on the ladder with morality, opulence, victory and empowerment (MOVE), let us believe in GOD as our Goal, Objective and destination (GOD). Let us change our looks, actions and words (LAW) to make it the real law of the land in 2013 for happiness, opportunities, peace and empowerment.(HOPE). Let us welcome New Year with open arms.
*The writer is Professor of Economics & Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Kurukshetra University , Kurukshetra