Editor’s Blog

The journey
continues...

IT is said that success is not a destination, it's a journey. As such those who enjoy their journey through life will also taste success. In this issue, we reminisce about three special journeys.

As THE TEENAGER completes 47 uninterrupted years of publication, we salute each of YOU dear readers for your continued faith in us. It is you who have kept our journey on the track of success!

On the threshold of our 48th year, Caroline D'Souza takes you on a journey down memory lane on page 31, bringing you glimpses of the people, events and issues we've covered. It will certainly bring back nostalgic memories to many of our long-standing readers who joined our readership as teenagers and have faithfully stayed on as parents and teachers today!

Fourteen years ago (i.e. in 1996), THE TEENAGER began another journey with the youth of our nation to give them an opportunity for self-discovery and personal growth - the TEEN OF THE YEAR. This pageant has today become a 'Teen Movement' of sorts with teenagers across the country vying with each other to be part of this event. Scores of teenagers I've met in different cities over the past six months (concerning the fourteenth such event) have reinforced my conviction that India has the brightest brains in the world!

Seventeen such 'teen-brains' who took part in the National Finals in Mumbai (November 5-8) have indeed taught us more than reading could have! Indeed! The variety of ideas and thoughts on 'what really constitutes Indianness' that came across through the projects submitted by each participant and the open discussions held on this theme was amazing to say the least! You'll read all about this special experience in our lead story on page 13.

The third journey we refer to is the one we began a year ago. It was to make our magazine more contemporary in style, content and design. We are convinced that our journey is incomplete without YOU. Hence, to make our journey more interactive and interesting, starting with this anniversary issue, you stand to win a lot of prizes and gifts by just being with us!

Finally, it is your valuable feedback and comments that will keep us on our toes and on the right track! Of course, even here, the best of responses will be duly rewarded. Bon voyage!