The Event

Dear friends,

Yes, its back. And I know you all have been eagerly waiting for it. Hey! It's once again that time of the year when you gear up to participating in one of the most awaited events. TEEN OF THE YEAR 2009. An event for you — the youth — the future of India.

TEEN OF THE YEAR as you all are aware, seeks to bring to centre-stage youngsters who are 'achievers' not by 'defeating others', but by virtue of what they are; youngsters who believe in achieving not by seeing others fall, but by taking others along with them.

TEEN OF THE YEAR is a pageant with a mission, with a sense of purpose to enable you to let your inner light shine, make a difference to the world and give back to society in your own unique way. This is what makes TEEN OF THE YEAR such a unique event.

Held annually, TEEN OF THE YEAR forges lifelong friendships. Once you participate, you become an integral part of this ever-growing movement.

What is sought in TEEN OF THE YEAR participants are leadership qualities, an eagerness to learn and reach out to all creation with respect and humaneness. He or she does not merely pay lip service, but actually lives by his or her values.

TEEN OF THE YEAR helps you discover yourself while interacting with others and in the process you also help others discover themselves. Physical appearance is not a criterion; inner beauty, conviction, strength of character and a vision for yourselves and your country is what we are looking for.

You don't have to be a celebrity to become a role model. You may be an ordinary teenager. TEEN OF THE YEAR helps you discover that 'extra something' in you which you may not be aware of — the light within you which gets a platform to shine for others to see.

Do you care for others? Are you a sensitive person? Are you aware of the issues facing your society and nation? Do you have a sharp mind? Are you a young, thinking Indian in the making? Are you kind hearted? If yes, here is your moment of glory to become the TEEN OF THE YEAR 2009.

In addition to giving an opportunity to teenagers across the country to come together, every year, TEEN OF THE YEAR offers you a relevant theme to discuss and study at length and to arrive at some practical guidelines in changing the face of the nation in your own small way. This year the theme chosen is PRESERVING ‘INDIANNESS’ IN A GLOBAL INDIA.

Undoubtedly, India is becoming a global power. The entire world is looking towards India for her growing economic and intellectual superiority. Since most Indian youth prefer to stay back in the country and work, multinational organisations are being forced to set up operations in India. Many are even making India their global headquarters.

As we become globally powerful, the question arising in everyone's mind is, will the western influence engulf our rich heritage and cultural identity? Will we be able to remain faithful to our 'Indianness' and live those centuries old values and follow our rich traditions and customs? Can we be sure that though we now have greater economic freedom and are technologically far superior, yet, these so called benefits have not corrupted our culture and our way of living?

We want every participant to take a pledge that they will strive to preserve Indianness.

I am sure you will have many questions and doubts in your mind. But don't worry, I think, I have solved most of them right here. However, even thereafter, if you have any more doubts, write to me at teenoftheyear@gmail.com

Looking forward to meeting many of you,

Warm regards and Jai Hind.

Joby Mathew
CHIEF EDITOR