Paragana '08 and the wonderful juniors...

We began on a new note as a council. The first to be led by a lady. We were a team never believed to cross the oceans. Never trusted to make sea changes. But guess, the past few days have proved that all wrong. The kind of work that this council has done, is probably not seen in, in the past few years.

Its been a nightmare since we embarked on the journey for which we were trained and equipped with all the power that is vested in this high body - Paragana '08. Been here and done that for ages, it was nothing new, but the fact that there were far more pressing issues than ever before, made us all re-think on whether we could do it or not. Be it the financial crisis or the fact that we were missing a lot of our old hands. We all had to face issues as we didnt have those many of the trained lot to handle the things when hot.

But then, isnt it said that where there is will, there is way. Though nothing made our way, the very idea of assignments, SR's etc etc helped us all big time. The team that began to work was huge. But the only difference with all the years was that it remained so inspite of the time. Though God didnt give us the money that we would have loved, he gave us a team of juniors who were there eager to learn. One that would co exist yet compete. One that would join forces to make the impossible - possible.

Kudos to the entire team of juniors that we have here in the council. May God bless them all. I wouldnt usually say so. But here, we have a group that would pull our spirits up when we were down. One, that would go through shit if need be to get the thing through. One which shares our passion for work and for the council. One which believes in the fact, 'if it needs to be done, it should be done" come what may. Here is a team that helped us achieve what we wanted to. Its on their able shoulders that we had pinned our hopes of getting all we had worked for. From money, to people, to accomodation the juniors contribution is commendable. Its the immense hardwork, dedication and perseverance that has been shown by them as a team that helped our dreams come true.

I cant though discount the training that was imparted. Though they did it all, it was from the batch of seniors that the final deals were done. The very attitude that "Its decided that it would happen, so it should. Doesnt matter how and why" came from the stable of the experianced chaps. From being seniors, bossing over to being partners in the event, we all have travelled the paths together. The tension on our heads was just a little solace to them. Yet, there was no time when they werent there when we needed them. The last week or so was a time when the place was a war room. The time when they stood by us and with us. From the first to the last, they left no stone unturned. No company unapproached. No work undone. From marketing to calling, from creatives to logistics, it was all a part of the package that they were expected to do.

Though in varying degrees of sincerity, they stuck through thick and thin. From being juniors they became stakeholders in Paragana '08. They were the ones who offered their beds to the teams from outside. They were the ones who stayed put the whole night even when we werent there. The lot which didnt really expect much from us but was there to give in their best.

They have made us feel like a family. One which will remain through the years to come. A feeling of togetherness, of oneness. Its a bond that would go a long way. They have stood shoulder to shoulder with us to never make us feel that we were alone, but at the same time they have respected us all for what we are and for the year we have ahead of us.

We have given them what we could. We have taught them all we could, trained them more than how we were. Set a benchmark higher than was set for us. A benchmark which am sure they can surpass and do great wonders just if they apply all we have imparted and improve all where we fell.

Lastly, guys - a heartfelt thanks to u all. Love u all. Hope that you all get to where you are and dont go for the kill. Its always better to live and let live. Learn that and you would have the most powerful team that the council would have ever seen.

All the very best for all your future endeavours.

ps: Invite me for Paragana '09 next year...!!! Am sure you would do us proud.