The world is heading towards a disaster � wars fought over water, over borders, nuclear weapons, terrorism, failing monsoons and child abuse. The future paints a grim picture� We all seem to be moving towards a long dark tunnel � from which there might be no way out.

But all this can be changed. Yes, changed. By us � the citizens and leaders of the World of tomorrow. This year, OSCAR stresses the need to save this World and her children. For the detractors, what we do to this world may just be a tiny drop in the Mighty Ocean. But without that drop, the ocean would still be lesser by that drop.

So, let us vow today, through the OSCAR stage that we would practise and pass on the message of peace, to rise above caste, colour, creed and sex, to rise beyond borders, and see every person, be he Hindu, Christian, Muslim, Sikh or Jew, be she Indian, American, Pakistani, Iraqi, Arab, African or Chinese as a human first! Let us vow today that we would strive to create a society that is safer for all of us. Before it is too late...