Nostalgia?

The journey began with a mission to an unknown land, as much unknown as it could be for the colonial prisoners to the island of black water (Kala Pani). However, unlike the prisoners whose heart is filled with fears, this journey was a mix of feelings – excitement and apprehension; anxiety and ambiguity; and touristic adventure with an inquisitive mind. The beginning met the end; and the end witnessed the beginning of a new end – the end that has become, despite of all efforts, a part of the being or an indispensable part of the individual’s identity and existence. This end is nothing but the memory that one had the fortune to have and carry forward with the movement of time until the arrival of the dooms day or the loss of individual memory. With every passing moment, the beauty of the loved past looks dazzling like the full moon in the dark sky. It is as cool and soothing as the moon; but the fear of darkness in the life of moon ever remains as an irking experience. Darkness and light are the two inseparable aspects of the universe and the meaning of one is incomplete without an understanding of the other. However, does it necessarily mean that darkness should eliminate the beauty of light or the other way round? Similar to longer day and smaller night, you never know in the game of blind folding what has the fate treasured for you. A nostalgic past might often trouble the individual psyche but the hope for a better future sprays new bright hopes like the red rising sun in the eastern sky. As it is said in Lord of the Rings “there is always hope”.

Birth of a Nation

From a fishing village to a highly developed city state, Singapore celebrated its 42nd birth day on August 9. It got separated from Malaysia and became an independent republic on August 9, 1965. The ruling Peoples' Action Party has been in power since then without any loss. The architect of modern Singapore Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew has been attending the National Day parade since then without any miss.

Like any other nation, Singapore also displays the strengths and diversities of its society. The day is fun filled. This years NDP was organised on floating space on the sea besides the high rise skylines at Marina Bay. It displayed the strength of its Military power, Naval power and power of its Air Force. The skyline was filled not only a display of power and force but also of fun and fireworks.

Singapore is a harmonious and peaceful society lived by various ethnic communities. Though predominantly a Chinese society, Malays, Indian and Other communities have been living together with each other. The NDP displayed the ethnic dances and cultures of the communities. Diversity has been the kernel of Singapore's success. The mark the friendly and harmonious living of communities, it dedicated a day for "Racial harmony". Cultural diversity and peaceful coexistence of ethnic and racial communities has been outstanding.

Singapore today boasts of moder metropolitan life style, high economic standard, cultural diversity, social harmony, land of opportunity, high standard of education and technological development. It remains one of the key players in Southeast Asia and world politics.