The First Sprigs Of Spring?
A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way — John Maxwell
Finally, there is a spot of good news! Reports coming in suggest that the government is considering easing all Covid-19 related restrictions other than social distancing and wearing of face masks beginning 31 March. The end to Covid-19 strictures is welcome news for all industries, especially the tourism and hospitality sector. According to experts, the sector lost nearly 75 per cent of its revenue in FY 2021. We seem to have managed to overcome this dreadful pandemic, or have we? As I write this, fresh coronavirus cases are being reported across the country. Even though the count is low, we must still be careful and not be too quick to throw caution to the winds. This shouldn’t be too difficult, given that most organisations are resorting to remote working anyway. At our organisation too, the hybrid work model is in play. Even our events are hybrid, and they have seen higher engagement and participation this way. The hybrid working model is truly among the good things the pandemic has brought about. As they say, every cloud has a silver lining!
Talking of events, we will be celebrating women achievers through our annual Women Entrepreneurship Summit & Awards (WESA).
This issue gives you an insight into this year’s achievers. This annual BW Businessworld property celebrates and recognises outstanding women entrepreneurs – leaders who have not only shattered the glass ceiling – but also effected innovation through their path-breaking ideas, to create a positive change in India’s business ecosystem. Read about these leaders “who go the way and show the way,” in the pages ahead.
Yes, the striving for excellence persists amidst the malaise of a pandemic, a war in a distant land and the creeping inflation that it will lead to. Indian exporters have achieved their $400 billion target for the 2021-22 fiscal ahead of schedule and such green sprigs of growth are evident in other segments of industry too. India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation has been persisting with some successful defence innovations, for instance, including the gradual advancement of indigenous missile programmes. Read an in depth report about these initiatives in this issue.
Of course, we also have all our regular columns and features you look forward to. I hope you enjoy reading the magazine as much as we did compiling it.
Happy Reading!
