The past 12 months have taken us on an expansive journey: one filled with aspiration, changes, conflict, and hope. This year, India emerged as one of the most resilient economies in the face of severe global slowdowns, which were triggered by geopolitical and economic uncertainties.
By no means was 2022 easy or uneventful—from a tech winter to an unfavorable macro environment, to the resurgence of new Covid-19 variants in some geographies, and on the personal front the balancing act of being an entrepreneur, mother, and teacher all at once. Through it all, I’ve been among those fortunate enough to be surrounded by a large and loving family, which empowers and inspires me to become a better version of myself everyday. I have always believed in facing headwinds head-on. It is simply not enough to sit back and wait for change to come. As Mahatma Gandhi said, we must be the change we wish to see in the world.
This year, I also had the honour of being a part of some of the most prestigious global events featuring inspiring thought leaders and change makers. At every stage, the India story, its collective potential, hunger for innovation, and resilience in the face of adversity took pride of place. In India, technology has served as a remarkable equalizer and force multiplier, particularly for addressing some of the society"s deep-rooted challenges. As we step into 2023, let"s reflect on three key lessons learned in 2022, and deepen our connection with what truly matters.
I am positive that the Indian entrepreneurship dream will only get stronger in 2023. We welcomed the 100th Unicorn into the fold in 2022, and with our collective appetite for growth and focus on impact, the 500th is not far away.
Of course, no conversation about an equitable future is complete without the mention of gender parity. This year, we saw the continued rise of women leaders in business, politics, and sports, shattering social barriers and glass ceilings—in Droupadi Murmu India saw its first tribal woman president, the success of Falguni Nayak-led Nykaa’s IPO has paved the way for more women-led businesses to come to the fore, Madhabi Buch is scripting history as the first woman chairperson of SEBI, and there could not have been a better end to 2022 than Savita Punia and Co lifting the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup in Spain. These icons have overcome layers of generational biases and keep us hopeful for the future.
In Messi’s story, we can all find a valuable lesson for 2023—success isn"t just about winning, but about working hard, stepping out of your comfort zone, and challenging yourself constantly, no matter the odds. It is about believing in yourself and your abilities, even when it feels like everything is changing. Trust that you have the strength and resilience to overcome any obstacle, and know that by putting in your best effort, you are paving the way for the best possible outcomes. Embrace the journey of learning, unlearning, and relearning, and have faith that it will lead you to where you are meant to be.
Divya Gokulnath is the co-founder of BYJU’S. Views expressed are personal.
First Published: Jan 02, 2023, 10:55
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