“Bloom where you are planted”, is the theme of this issue and true to the theme, here we are. A late bloomer, perhaps, but well and truly blooming in all its glory from the hearts, thoughts and as a reflection of the aspirations of all of us – The Alumni of Karunya. The Missing Link alumni magazine, (or TML as it is fondly referred to) has become the chain that binds the several blocks of alumni that have passed through and are to pass through the portals of our alma mater. As always, our appreciation is due to those who strive relentlessly to put this magazine together painstakingly, issue after issue. Keep blooming!
I am not sure if many of us realize that TML has been the title of movies. Le Chainon Manquant (1980) – meaning the Missing Link was a French movie portraying a far fetched explanation of the dawn of man. Around the time I was in college (1987-88), yet another movie by the same name – Missing Link, was released. Set in Africa at a time close to a million years ago, this movie features the last of the Australopithecines (a bipedal primate sharing both ape-like and human-like characteristics) seeking out his clan, quite like what TML in this avatar is striving to do. This next name is not that of a movie, but that of an organization that started small called the Chainon Network founded on the principles of artistic identification and economic development of an equitable and solidarity-based cultural circuit. This desire to network professionals naturally led, in 1991, to the Festival du Chainon Manquant, and the 31st edition of this festival is scheduled between the 13th -18th Sep 2022.
This to me summarizes what TML stands for and will continue to stand for. Just as Capt. Kirk in the movie Star Trek, TML seeks out and reaches out to its distinct clan of alumni from all across the globe, and quite like the principles of the Festival du Chainon Manquant, TML strives to network alumni with the objective of show casing artistic talent through their contributions. TML also strives to propel economic development and assistance.
This foreword would be incomplete if we fail to recognize the “women” in our lives, even as we wished them the very best on the International Women’s Day that just passed us by. Its an inspiration in itself just to pause, observe and learn from the varied roles they assume on this stage called life – a mother, a sister, a friend, a colleague, a peer, a leader, a wife, an entrepreneur, a shoulder to lean on, a hand to hold on to and so much more. This fraternity of Karunya Alumni acknowledges, celebrates and respects their lives and their achievements. What would the world be without you all?
Even as we read this issue, we are well and truly into the new year and the challenges have been no different from the year past. The threats remain unchanged while the challenges have grown manifold. TML with its diverse content, we believe, will stand out like a beacon, while to most of us, it will serve as a time-loop we pass through with every issue – rekindling memories, the fun, the frolic, the long walks, the gatherings, the journeys, the celebrations, the pranks and not forgetting the infatuations and much more. We reminisce with joy as we picture a plethora of these cherished images vividly and say, “Those were the days, my friend. We thought they’d never end!”
This edition of TML is no different – it’s yours to relish! Dig in!
