CHANGE – 2007 an interesting concept

From time immemorial whenever any human being has attempted to move off the beaten path or tried to even break the status quo ….there has been such a hue and cry, that such person is considered a maverick, eccentric and he is crucified at the altar of traditionalism (so to speak). A case in point is that of ancient astronomer Galileo, if I am not mistaken was sentenced to life imprisonment for putting forth the theory that the earth and all other planets revolved around the sun which was diametrically opposite to the prevalent view of those times. He very aptly said "I do not feel obliged to believe that the same god who has endowed us with sense, reason and intellect has intended us to forgo their use". In his lifetime he never got the recognition he truly deserved for such a path breaking view which had been thoroughly researched and documented by him…why even Einstein and many others like him, have had to face tremendous odds to stand firm on their beliefs to come out with fascinatingly uncommon concepts and principles which then went on to become the torchbearers for future generations to come.

Coming to the present times particularly in the professional and business world too, if a professional is a non-conformist and tries to break the mould i.e. to say breaks set rules & regulations to come up with path breaking initiatives or some interesting and innovative ideas or refreshingly new streams of thought, the opposition and backbiting is tremendous to say the least. He/she needs to have a very thick skin, indomitable will and strength of character to withstand the backlash of those who want to have a "stuck in the mud" mindset. But the future generation will bear testimony to the fact that it is these very outlandish or insane (at that point) ideas or theories or efforts or initiatives that give birth to great inventions in the human world. Today we have the fabulous world of internet …..But its inception too must have been from a small miniscule idea which then grew on to become this beautiful vision of the world becoming a small place where one can directly talk and communicate with each other from any part of the world. A case in point is this ...our very own bloggers site. Having said this it is still unfortunate that the vast majority of the professional world do not look at change in status quo as being synonymous with growth. But change is inevitable and absolutely necessary for growth and regeneration. I would say three cheers to change and welcome it whole heartedly although admittedly it can be a very painful process.