Today I complete Four Years back in India

Exactly four years ago I left Ottawa to come back to India. It has been four years of intense engagement in the field of ICT4D. There are have been many highs and many lows.

I have travelled, met new people, worked very very hard, even at the cost of my health, and actually lost out on the personal front of keeping myself in the fittest of health.

As a new expat back home, four years ago, it was with a lot of hope and expectation that I returned. One thing was certain. I needed to focus more on myself, and to do my bit for the country.

As I reflect on the four years spent, there has been not a moment that has been boring. Tiring, yes, but boring, no.I am also sure that the next phase of my life is going to be the final innings of my working life, before I plan and retire to enjoy the fruits of my hard work, and do the things I want to do..

What are those things that I want to do?

- Attend live concerts - western jazz, instrumentalists, classical maestros (hindustani or carnatic).
- Complete the cookbook that I am working on, and enjoy hosting friends and family over at my place.
- Socialise and network (which I still love doing).
- Travel to the beautiful Kashmir Himalayas (the one bit of Himalayas that I have not travelled much to, except to Srinagar, that too in the middle of strife).
- Relax and read books.
- Write a novella/ short story book
- Become Debt Free!

I will be looking out for new opportunities to further the skills that I have acquired, and also to move ahead with the zeal and enthusiasm that has always kept me going. Certainly a change of pace is on the cards. More to take on a role that will give an edge to the quality of the work, and one that gives adequate value for money that we deserve.

Surely to keep with the inflation, unless there is an average increase of 25% in the wages earned, one cannot cope with the rising prices. That will be high on my cards.