By Promod Puri

The moment clock’s second hits midnight and the year 2022 departs, we step into welcoming 2023.

Two images flash; one switches off, and the other switches on. That reflects two storylines: an imprint of the old one, while the history begins with the new one.

Do we spot any change around our lives between circa 2022 night and circa 2023 morning?

We view, observe and experience daily routines as of December 31, which looks ditto the next day, January 1. The coffee emanates the same aroma on New Year’s day.

The hummingbird comes back around the same time as it was yesterday. The winter on mountains would not change its covering white sheet overnight to pine green.

Those who sleep on the streets still collect the cardboard to slumber. And the back-lane street collectors would not get a New Year raise from their assortment of empties.

But yesterday’s entities would turn into today’s realities. Nothing expires in this universe, except things change to another shape.

The good and bad of ’22 would not get a new edition or in a new frame of ’23. Of course, the weatherman would advance some changes in the movements of clouds and temperature, or as usual, “a mix of cloud and sun….”

So, what is the big deal about the New Year “hungama.”

The excitement lies in our optimism and resolutions.

We roll out the New Year messages of greetings and the exchange of best wishes for a “happy, healthy, and peaceful” 2023.

The social greetings look familiar, formal, ritualistic and ceremonial.

But the annual ritual creates an inspiring environment to think of a new beginning covering all aspects of our lives, from health to relations, commitments, and resolutions.

The freshness of the New Year lifts the spirit to review, readjust and resolve our activities. In this vitality, our thinking influences our actions.

The law of karma reminds us of “what we sow, so shall we reap” in 2023 and beyond.

Good thoughts result in good actions. By sowing the seeds of goodwill, we create well-being for ourselves, others, humanity, and our shared environment.

Together, we enjoy the fruits of good karmas or actions. Individuals’ good karmas collectively create a better world.

That brings peace and prosperity to our shared global village. We see no poverty, migrants in their dingy and sinking boats or at the high border walls, no violence and no wars, and a world with wise, sensible and selfless leaders for peace and happiness on this planet.

It is with that vision I resolutely say Happy New Year.

Promod Puri is Vancouver-based retired journalist, author of Hinduism Beyond Rituals, Customs And Traditions). Websites: promodpuri.com and progressivehindudialogue.com