Born into an academic family, I had the good fortune of having my schooling in the USA, Chile and Iraq, where my father’s university assignments took us. As a result, I believe I can honestly say that I have imbibed a truly global outlook right from childhood (plus an added bonus: the chance to learn several languages). I respect the values of different cultures and am equally willing to teach and learn, give and take, and thus to bring out and assimilate the best in our common humanity ; this also makes me feel comfortable with people from practically anywhere. Returning to India in 1977, I completed school and then pursued MBBS, finally specializing in Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine (my wife is a gynecologist and we have two lovely daughters). I also have a degree in creative writing and an MBA degree. My other interests include reading (on any subject under the Milkyway, and maybe even beyond!), writing, debating and quizzing. I am constantly searching for ways to effect personal, organizational and social improvement (as much as I possibly can, even if it’s just a drop in the ocean), and my motto is “never give up”. I believe in trying to create the right environment, wherever I am, whether at home, at work, or among friends. My favourite tool for this purpose is my pen (or now, perhaps, my keyboard!). I like to ponder over social issues and try to look for solutions to various problems. My hunch is that it’s most effective when the effort is started from the grassroots. So, apart from compositions on social issues, I also write for children, to build up their moral values in a subtle way. (I have won a prize from the Children’s Book Trust, New Delhi, for a short story I wrote for children.) In this way I hope to contribute my share towards creating a better world for future generations, so that they can look back at us with fondness, affection and gratitude. And, while at it, I eagerly look forward to getting the friendship and cooperation of like-minded people.<<