Celebrations

Happy Friday!

Many of us take things for granted, such as waking up every morning, having a happy family, having a paying job, and living in a country where freedom prevails. However, every so often, we do take the time to take a pause to reflect, and celebrate – be it a birthday, anniversary etc. Let me share a couple of anniversary celebrations from this week: of a country and another of a colleague, both are?NICHE?in their own way.?

• India, a country with a rich history and diverse culture, is celebrating its 77th?Independence Day this week. Its ancient philosophies, like Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism, have promoted compassion, non-violence, and self-improvement. –?Noble.?
• With over 700M internet users, India accounted for 46% of global real-time digital payments in 2022.?In his recent address to the US Congress, PM Narendra Modi coined a new term - AI - for the America-India partnership. He further said that India's vision was 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas', meaning 'being together for everyone's growth, with everyone's trust and effort'. –?Inspiring.?
• With a robust and vibrant democratic system, India has held regular elections since its inception as a republic, allowing its diverse population to participate in the decision-making process. The country's respect for the rule of law, independent judiciary, and peaceful transition of power further underscores its dedication to democratic ideals.?–?Commitment.
• From its?rich history and cultural ethos to its spiritual teachings advocating humility and selflessness, and its leaders like Mahatma Gandhi who lived a life of simplicity and service, India embodies the values of modesty and respect for all. –?Humility.?
• The country's achievements in science, technology, and space exploration demonstrate its advancements on the global stage. Its rapid progress in information technology, a thriving startup ecosystem, and ambitious space missions like Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan highlight its determination to explore the frontiers of technology, economic growth, and science, inspiring the world. –?Endeavors.

?Let me now switch gears and talk about a great friend and colleague, Adam Liska , who is celebrating his 25th?work anniversary at Elevance Health.?

• He started his career in corporate finance. His go-to tool has been and still is MS Excel, just as his favorite wheels are American-made gas cars.????A serious soccer player with an impressive record and longevity, he has also mastered the art of giving back with his contributions of time, effort, and energy to a charitable cause for longer than his career. He is a man with values and virtues. –?Noble.
• From the large cross-section of people who came together to wish him well and thank him for his service, one central theme has been consistently expressed in their remarks: his attitude and focus on problem-solving. A no-nonsense guy who listens intently follows through meticulously and handles conversations flawlessly. –?Inspiring.
• In his 25 years of service, he has seen it all: four name changes of the company, numerous changes in his reporting managers, a complete 360-degree shift in the work environment - from sitting side by side with colleagues in an office building to a completely virtual setup, and now a return to a hybrid model. Yet, his attention and attitude towards giving his best in whatever is asked of him have never changed. –?Commitment.
• Beyond work, he kept his passion alive for soccer, as evidenced by his ability to succeed while playing against much younger players at a highly competitive level. With a deep-seated desire to give back, he has generously contributed his time and energy to an organization that supports grieving children. As much as I get excited about his soccer wins, I am equally heartened by the emotional toll the charity work takes on him. –?Humility.
• In his own words, 'The one thing that is constant is the people I have worked with and the treasured relationships I have built over the years. The reason I have stayed here for 25 years is because I enjoy getting up and working every day with my teammates.' Here's to wishing him 25 more. –?Endeavors.

Let me close by quoting Aristotle, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.”

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Please join me in thanking Adam and wishing him all the best.?