Today we are 61 year old as a free country of India. August 15th marks the first anniversary of the SiliconIndia community as well. It is a special day for all Indians and people of indian origin around the world. On this special occasion, I wanted to take a moment to help us reflect on where we stand and as a community how we can lead in the future.

Manmohan Singh in his address to the nation remarked on the inspiration that the Indian Diaspora has provided. ( http://www.siliconindia.com/shownews/45542 ) The 25 million plus Indian community worldwide have set examples on what India can become and her true potential. Being an American Indian myself, I am honored by this acknowledgement, and am sure most of us who are living overseas would join me in this acknowledgement. This honor for the Indian diaspora comes with its own set of responsibilities for the Indians overseas. Today is the day to reflect upon our very own responsibilities and determine what each one of us can do to make an impact to India. In our mission of digitally connecting India through SiliconIndia, we can contribute virtually from any part of the world, whether you are in middle east or africa or usa. I am thankful to all of you who are recommitting today to the promise of a better India.

To those of us, who are proudly living in India, this day is an even more special day, as you experience India lot more closely than many of us who are experiencing India remotely. In the optimism of your dreams to build a better India, a better future lies not just for the prosperity of India, but most of the world is counting on that as well. I can say that because, as I interact with people world over, I do find that people in India are now looked upon as the next generation innovators and entrepreneurs who will shape their own future, the future of their country and create the right role models for other countries to follow. So, on this special day, do take a moment to reflect on how you as a special Indian can start applying the power of entrepreneurial energy to make a difference. Much is broken in India, but India is also a land of unprecedented opportunities. Let us take this day to think positive and start making difference in little or significant ways. The world is counting on us to do that.

SiliconIndia community charter is to build an innovative India. On its first anniversary, on this day of August 15th, we are fast approaching a membership of 1 million members from around the world. In one eventful year since our launch, we as a community have grown from an obscure dream and a mere concept, to a vibrant community of global indian professional, being recongnized by media and institutions around the world. Thank you all for your active participation. I would urge you all to explore siliconindia and build upon the vastness of knowledge and content that we are collectively building so that we truely distinguish ourselves as an innovative nation - a nation of entrepreneurs and innovators.

As always, if you have any suggestions and thoughts, feel free to share it with me and others here in SiliconIndia.

Cheers!