Let me tell you a story, no two stories. Recently we had an upgrading exercise in my block of flat. Residents were required to vote to put in a lift on every floor but the block lost out because one person forgot to cast her vote. Just one more vote and we would have lift on every floor. Life would have been made easier for the young disabled man who has to go for dialysis every day. Another resident has a mother in a wheelchair which has to be carried down one floor every time she has to see a doctor. Most days she is trapped in her home like many other old folks who live in the block. One more vote would have made a difference to the lives of many people in the block.

Recently I attended the Rolex Award for enterprise which Rolex created for outstanding human achievements. Five individuals, one each from India, Thailand, Siberia, Britain and Australia amazed and inspired me by their achievement. For example, Chanda Shroff of India set up a non-profit organization to teach women the dying art of traditional embroidery in the region of Kutch in Gujerat. Under her guidance women are gathering together to create exquisite handiwork despite difference in religion and status and to building an economic base for their communities. Chanda Shroff has inspired more than 22,000 women in 120 villages to value their talents and recognize their potential. She empowered them and enabled them to earn an income and support their families.

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