Look forward to a new decade

As we stand on the cusp of a new year, we look two ways like the ancient Roman God Janus — at the years that we’re leaving behind and at the one we’re starting out on. We asked prominent people from different walks of life to share with us what they count as significant developments in the year that has gone, and what their dreams are for the future, professionally, personally, and as a society.
Here’s what they had to say:

Reaching out with healthcare
For KIMS, 2019 has been a hugely successful year, with the group adding new facilities and reaching the 3000-bed milestone in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. We are proud to have bagged the “Best Hospital to Work For Award” at the AHPI Global Conclave, 2019. During the year, KIMS also consolidated its leadership position in the regions we operate in.

As we enter another year, we are sure we will be able to overcome any new challenges and achieve greater success. Our objectives as a healthcare provider are clear, and we are making rapid strides in the right direction.

In 2020, KIMS aspires to expand its footprint beyond the Telugu States, with a greenfield facility in Bhubaneshwar. Going forward, while we will consolidate our leadership position in the South, we will also look north to expand our territorial reach.
—  Dr Bhaskar Rao, Managing Director, KIMS Hospitals

Great time for young entrepreneurs
For OYO, 2019 has been an exciting year. Next year looks equally promising. It is a great time to be young and entrepreneurial in India — I believe we have what it takes to emerge as one of the world’s biggest start-up hotspots. This year the government recognized start-ups as job creators, resolved the angel tax issue and brought in GST reforms, all of which helped the industry tremendously. I hope the government continues to give an impetus to Start-Up India and enable innovation and entrepreneurship by streamlining policies and guidelines further. On a personal level, I’ve learned a lot from OYOpreneurs and asset owners across the world.
— Ritesh Agarwal, Founder & Group CEO, OYO Hotels & Homes

Be prepared for change
I’ve been focusing extensively on building a community on Instagram — there is demand for positive content for millennials. I will be focusing on amplifying this on YouTube too. I The next decade is probably the most critical one in terms of my career as well as mental wellbeing. I want to push my limits and find inner peace at the same time.

We need to prepare for massive changes in the employment scenario and create jobs that won’t easily be replaced. We need to use Social Media more positively, not to spread hate. The youth has to recognize the much larger role it now has to play.
— Farrhad Acidwalla, Founder, Cybernetiv Digital

A fulfilled tenure
I would like to separate milestones in 2019 into two categories, namely, the personal and the professional. On the personal front, I was able to conduct my daughter’s marriage and welcome a son-in-law into the family. On the professional front, the inauguration of Phase I of Kaleshwaram gave me a great sense of satisfaction.

For me, 2020 is going to be all about catching up with my friends and family, and rediscovering myself. As of now, I have no professional agenda for 2020 as I lay down office with a sense of fulfillment.
— S. K. Joshi IAS, Telangana

Work hard to achieve
It is not just the end of a year, but the end of a decade too. I look forward with excitement to the new decade ahead, as it is a great time to be relevant, to stand for causes you believe in. We have to work hard to achieve anything, and when you work hard, there’s nothing that is impossible in life.

Make special connections with friends and family more directly, rather than over social media.
— Sudha Reddy, Industrialist and philanthropist

Painting a rosy picture
The year gone by saw many milestones which were very important to me. I became the first woman artist from Telangana to get a national award. I had been waiting for a national award for the past three years, and I am glad I finally received it. I felt that my hard work was recognized. I also received the Prafulla Dahanukar All India Gold award, among other accolades, in 2019.

In 2020 I look forward to having international shows. I want my art work to reach more people and also encourage more women to get into the field of art.
— Gouri Vemula, Artist

Chasing new dreams
We transitioned the company to a professional CEO and a largely new management team. We’re looking forward to growth and the position of industry leadership in select businesses.

Personally, I improved my photography skills a bit and I’m looking forward to more wildlife and bird-watching trips
— G. V. Prasad, CEO, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories