Editor's Note

While some are ignoring the environment, 3000000 trees are being planted everyday…For every grown-up who can't write his/her name, there are 15 children who can read fairy tales…While some believe we're nearing the end, 5000000 people sent New Year wishes…Believe in a happier tomorrow.” -- according to an international TV commercial.

We often hear complaints that newspapers, i.e. the media, have virtually become the messenger of maladies. There is some truth to this, considering the chaotic, aging world we live in. With heavy heart we read about dying rivers, depleting forests, human rights being violated and indigenous art forms facing extinction.

But we are optimists. We believe a happier tomorrow awaits us. Bangladesh turned 40 last year. We are a young nation in every sense, and we believe, despite untold limitations, Bangladesh is coming of age with quiet determination. Food production has tripled from 10 million metric tons to 30 million metric tons over the last three decades. In remote villages, farmers are gradually becoming aware of the ill effects of chemical fertilisers and taking interest in organic farming. Despite no assistance from the government and no department to study the medium at the public universities, Bangladeshi photographers over the last decade have managed to pull off a silent revolution. Young professionals are working hard day in day out to be on a par with the rest of the world while providing service to fellow Bangladeshis. Contemporary urban musicians are going back to time honoured folk songs, and introducing their young audiences to our roots with their new interpretations of these classics…We feel a change coming on.

This overarching change is the theme of our 21st anniversary special supplement. In three volumes, covering 11 categories, we have tried to highlight young Bangladeshis who are trying to make a difference, trying to ensure a happier tomorrow. A few of these change-makers have already attained fame, while many remain out of public attention, tirelessly working away for the greater good.

The 1st volume covers Arts, Public Service and Professions, Agriculture and Environment. We received an overwhelming number of nominations in the Arts category, the rest not so many. Also, urban individuals dominate the lists. We acknowledge this as our inadequacy. Consider this supplement a stepping-stone to an initiative we intend to continue through bringing to light more such change-makers from all corners of the country.

One might ask, how are Arts, Public Service and Professions, Agriculture and Environment connected? How are they not connected? Art is an all-encompassing continual process. It constantly takes inspiration from nature, is nurtured by agriculture, and provides service to the public by inspiring, educating them and replenishing their souls.

This is by no means a definitive list or in any particular order. Our sole intention was to bring inspirational stories to our readers. If you know of young change-makers or are one, we invite you to get in touch with us and help us share more remarkable stories with the nation.