When the term ‘billionaire’ graces our ears, it’s easy to conjure images of unimaginable opulenceâmansions sprawling across acres of land, fleets of luxury cars, and holidays on private islands. Yet, beneath this veil of material wealth lies a more enigmatic layer, particularly concerning the lives of the heirs and heiresses destined to inherit these colossal fortunes. Born into a life of privilege that far exceeds the norm, they inhabit a reality that is almost unfathomable to the average person. But, as we peel back the layers of glitz and glamor, we find that these heirs often harbor secrets, struggles, and life stories that are far from a fairytale narrative.
The Burden of Expectations
While the advantages of being born into a billionaire family are obviousâaccess to the best education money can buy, extensive travel experiences, and an almost guaranteed position of power in societyâthe downsides are less visible but no less real. The weight of expectation is monumental.
From a young age, many are meticulously groomed to take over family enterprises that are often multinational conglomerates. They’re exposed to boardroom discussions before most kids learn algebra, and their life paths are usually pre-decided by the generation before them. The emotional and psychological toll of this can be immense. High-profile parents often have unspoken, yet palpable, expectations that their children will not just inherit the family business but also expand it. This pressure to succeed, coupled with the world’s watchful eyes, often leads to various forms of anxiety and mental health issues, carefully hidden behind closed doors.
Hidden Lives: A Double-Edged Sword of Privacy and Isolation
Given their enormous financial worth, billionaire heirs are naturally targets for all kinds of threats, including kidnapping and extortion. This leads to a life that’s very private but also exceedingly isolated. Itâs not uncommon for them to live in gated communities, attend private schools with other children of a similar socioeconomic status, and have their social activities carefully curated and supervised. While these measures ensure physical safety, they also result in a form of social isolation that makes it exceedingly difficult for these young people to form genuine, trusting relationships. Constantly shadowed by bodyguards, their interactions with the outside world are carefully monitored, which can lead to a distorted sense of reality and a deep-seated paranoia about people’s motives.
Philanthropy and Social Responsibility: Changing the Narrative
On the brighter side, a new wave of billionaire heirs and heiresses is emerging, armed with a heightened sense of social responsibility. Uncontent to simply coast along on family wealth, they’re actively working to reshape the societal impact of their fortunes. These individuals are not just pledging portions of their wealth to charitable foundations, but they are also deeply involved in issues that affect the global community, such as climate change, educational inequality, and systemic poverty.
They’re attending global summits, partnering with NGOs, and creating their own charitable initiatives to address issues they’re passionate about. Whether motivated by genuine altruism or a savvy public relations strategy, this shift towards philanthropy is a promising sign, indicating a more conscientious generation of billionaires to come.
The Complexity of Privilege
Navigating the nuanced realities of extreme wealth, especially as a young heir or heiress, is a monumental task that extends far beyond managing a financial portfolio. The challenges are multifaceted, affecting not just their material lives but also their emotional and psychological well-being. They bear the weight of generational expectations and immense responsibility, live secluded lives devoid of true personal freedom, and yet many are rising to the occasion, striving to convert their inherited wealth into meaningful change. While society often paints them with a broad brush of privilege, taking the time to understand their complexities allows us to see them as more than just their bank accounts. They’re human beings, molded by a set of incredibly unique and challenging circumstances, navigating a world that most of us will never fully understand.
When the term ‘billionaire’ graces our ears, it’s easy to conjure images of unimaginable opulenceâmansions sprawling across acres of land, fleets of luxury cars, and holidays on private islands. Yet, beneath this veil of material wealth lies a more enigmatic layer, particularly concerning the lives of the heirs and heiresses destined to inherit these colossal fortunes. Born into a life of privilege that far exceeds the norm, they inhabit a reality that is almost unfathomable to the average person. But, as we peel back the layers of glitz and glamor, we find that these heirs often harbor secrets, struggles, and life stories that are far from a fairytale narrative.
The Burden of Expectations
While the advantages of being born into a billionaire family are obviousâaccess to the best education money can buy, extensive travel experiences, and an almost guaranteed position of power in societyâthe downsides are less visible but no less real. The weight of expectation is monumental.
From a young age, many are meticulously groomed to take over family enterprises that are often multinational conglomerates. They’re exposed to boardroom discussions before most kids learn algebra, and their life paths are usually pre-decided by the generation before them. The emotional and psychological toll of this can be immense. High-profile parents often have unspoken, yet palpable, expectations that their children will not just inherit the family business but also expand it. This pressure to succeed, coupled with the world’s watchful eyes, often leads to various forms of anxiety and mental health issues, carefully hidden behind closed doors.
Hidden Lives: A Double-Edged Sword of Privacy and Isolation
Given their enormous financial worth, billionaire heirs are naturally targets for all kinds of threats, including kidnapping and extortion. This leads to a life that’s very private but also exceedingly isolated. Itâs not uncommon for them to live in gated communities, attend private schools with other children of a similar socioeconomic status, and have their social activities carefully curated and supervised. While these measures ensure physical safety, they also result in a form of social isolation that makes it exceedingly difficult for these young people to form genuine, trusting relationships. Constantly shadowed by bodyguards, their interactions with the outside world are carefully monitored, which can lead to a distorted sense of reality and a deep-seated paranoia about people’s motives.
Philanthropy and Social Responsibility: Changing the Narrative
On the brighter side, a new wave of billionaire heirs and heiresses is emerging, armed with a heightened sense of social responsibility. Uncontent to simply coast along on family wealth, they’re actively working to reshape the societal impact of their fortunes. These individuals are not just pledging portions of their wealth to charitable foundations, but they are also deeply involved in issues that affect the global community, such as climate change, educational inequality, and systemic poverty.
They’re attending global summits, partnering with NGOs, and creating their own charitable initiatives to address issues they’re passionate about. Whether motivated by genuine altruism or a savvy public relations strategy, this shift towards philanthropy is a promising sign, indicating a more conscientious generation of billionaires to come.
The Complexity of Privilege
Navigating the nuanced realities of extreme wealth, especially as a young heir or heiress, is a monumental task that extends far beyond managing a financial portfolio. The challenges are multifaceted, affecting not just their material lives but also their emotional and psychological well-being. They bear the weight of generational expectations and immense responsibility, live secluded lives devoid of true personal freedom, and yet many are rising to the occasion, striving to convert their inherited wealth into meaningful change. While society often paints them with a broad brush of privilege, taking the time to understand their complexities allows us to see them as more than just their bank accounts. They’re human beings, molded by a set of incredibly unique and challenging circumstances, navigating a world that most of us will never fully understand.
When the term ‘billionaire’ graces our ears, it’s easy to conjure images of unimaginable opulenceâmansions sprawling across acres of land, fleets of luxury cars, and holidays on private islands. Yet, beneath this veil of material wealth lies a more enigmatic layer, particularly concerning the lives of the heirs and heiresses destined to inherit these colossal fortunes. Born into a life of privilege that far exceeds the norm, they inhabit a reality that is almost unfathomable to the average person. But, as we peel back the layers of glitz and glamor, we find that these heirs often harbor secrets, struggles, and life stories that are far from a fairytale narrative.
The Burden of Expectations
While the advantages of being born into a billionaire family are obviousâaccess to the best education money can buy, extensive travel experiences, and an almost guaranteed position of power in societyâthe downsides are less visible but no less real. The weight of expectation is monumental.
From a young age, many are meticulously groomed to take over family enterprises that are often multinational conglomerates. They’re exposed to boardroom discussions before most kids learn algebra, and their life paths are usually pre-decided by the generation before them. The emotional and psychological toll of this can be immense. High-profile parents often have unspoken, yet palpable, expectations that their children will not just inherit the family business but also expand it. This pressure to succeed, coupled with the world’s watchful eyes, often leads to various forms of anxiety and mental health issues, carefully hidden behind closed doors.
Hidden Lives: A Double-Edged Sword of Privacy and Isolation
Given their enormous financial worth, billionaire heirs are naturally targets for all kinds of threats, including kidnapping and extortion. This leads to a life that’s very private but also exceedingly isolated. Itâs not uncommon for them to live in gated communities, attend private schools with other children of a similar socioeconomic status, and have their social activities carefully curated and supervised. While these measures ensure physical safety, they also result in a form of social isolation that makes it exceedingly difficult for these young people to form genuine, trusting relationships. Constantly shadowed by bodyguards, their interactions with the outside world are carefully monitored, which can lead to a distorted sense of reality and a deep-seated paranoia about people’s motives.
Philanthropy and Social Responsibility: Changing the Narrative
On the brighter side, a new wave of billionaire heirs and heiresses is emerging, armed with a heightened sense of social responsibility. Uncontent to simply coast along on family wealth, they’re actively working to reshape the societal impact of their fortunes. These individuals are not just pledging portions of their wealth to charitable foundations, but they are also deeply involved in issues that affect the global community, such as climate change, educational inequality, and systemic poverty.
They’re attending global summits, partnering with NGOs, and creating their own charitable initiatives to address issues they’re passionate about. Whether motivated by genuine altruism or a savvy public relations strategy, this shift towards philanthropy is a promising sign, indicating a more conscientious generation of billionaires to come.
The Complexity of Privilege
Navigating the nuanced realities of extreme wealth, especially as a young heir or heiress, is a monumental task that extends far beyond managing a financial portfolio. The challenges are multifaceted, affecting not just their material lives but also their emotional and psychological well-being. They bear the weight of generational expectations and immense responsibility, live secluded lives devoid of true personal freedom, and yet many are rising to the occasion, striving to convert their inherited wealth into meaningful change. While society often paints them with a broad brush of privilege, taking the time to understand their complexities allows us to see them as more than just their bank accounts. They’re human beings, molded by a set of incredibly unique and challenging circumstances, navigating a world that most of us will never fully understand.
When the term ‘billionaire’ graces our ears, it’s easy to conjure images of unimaginable opulenceâmansions sprawling across acres of land, fleets of luxury cars, and holidays on private islands. Yet, beneath this veil of material wealth lies a more enigmatic layer, particularly concerning the lives of the heirs and heiresses destined to inherit these colossal fortunes. Born into a life of privilege that far exceeds the norm, they inhabit a reality that is almost unfathomable to the average person. But, as we peel back the layers of glitz and glamor, we find that these heirs often harbor secrets, struggles, and life stories that are far from a fairytale narrative.
The Burden of Expectations
While the advantages of being born into a billionaire family are obviousâaccess to the best education money can buy, extensive travel experiences, and an almost guaranteed position of power in societyâthe downsides are less visible but no less real. The weight of expectation is monumental.
From a young age, many are meticulously groomed to take over family enterprises that are often multinational conglomerates. They’re exposed to boardroom discussions before most kids learn algebra, and their life paths are usually pre-decided by the generation before them. The emotional and psychological toll of this can be immense. High-profile parents often have unspoken, yet palpable, expectations that their children will not just inherit the family business but also expand it. This pressure to succeed, coupled with the world’s watchful eyes, often leads to various forms of anxiety and mental health issues, carefully hidden behind closed doors.
Hidden Lives: A Double-Edged Sword of Privacy and Isolation
Given their enormous financial worth, billionaire heirs are naturally targets for all kinds of threats, including kidnapping and extortion. This leads to a life that’s very private but also exceedingly isolated. Itâs not uncommon for them to live in gated communities, attend private schools with other children of a similar socioeconomic status, and have their social activities carefully curated and supervised. While these measures ensure physical safety, they also result in a form of social isolation that makes it exceedingly difficult for these young people to form genuine, trusting relationships. Constantly shadowed by bodyguards, their interactions with the outside world are carefully monitored, which can lead to a distorted sense of reality and a deep-seated paranoia about people’s motives.
Philanthropy and Social Responsibility: Changing the Narrative
On the brighter side, a new wave of billionaire heirs and heiresses is emerging, armed with a heightened sense of social responsibility. Uncontent to simply coast along on family wealth, they’re actively working to reshape the societal impact of their fortunes. These individuals are not just pledging portions of their wealth to charitable foundations, but they are also deeply involved in issues that affect the global community, such as climate change, educational inequality, and systemic poverty.
They’re attending global summits, partnering with NGOs, and creating their own charitable initiatives to address issues they’re passionate about. Whether motivated by genuine altruism or a savvy public relations strategy, this shift towards philanthropy is a promising sign, indicating a more conscientious generation of billionaires to come.
The Complexity of Privilege
Navigating the nuanced realities of extreme wealth, especially as a young heir or heiress, is a monumental task that extends far beyond managing a financial portfolio. The challenges are multifaceted, affecting not just their material lives but also their emotional and psychological well-being. They bear the weight of generational expectations and immense responsibility, live secluded lives devoid of true personal freedom, and yet many are rising to the occasion, striving to convert their inherited wealth into meaningful change. While society often paints them with a broad brush of privilege, taking the time to understand their complexities allows us to see them as more than just their bank accounts. They’re human beings, molded by a set of incredibly unique and challenging circumstances, navigating a world that most of us will never fully understand.
When the term ‘billionaire’ graces our ears, it’s easy to conjure images of unimaginable opulenceâmansions sprawling across acres of land, fleets of luxury cars, and holidays on private islands. Yet, beneath this veil of material wealth lies a more enigmatic layer, particularly concerning the lives of the heirs and heiresses destined to inherit these colossal fortunes. Born into a life of privilege that far exceeds the norm, they inhabit a reality that is almost unfathomable to the average person. But, as we peel back the layers of glitz and glamor, we find that these heirs often harbor secrets, struggles, and life stories that are far from a fairytale narrative.
The Burden of Expectations
While the advantages of being born into a billionaire family are obviousâaccess to the best education money can buy, extensive travel experiences, and an almost guaranteed position of power in societyâthe downsides are less visible but no less real. The weight of expectation is monumental.
From a young age, many are meticulously groomed to take over family enterprises that are often multinational conglomerates. They’re exposed to boardroom discussions before most kids learn algebra, and their life paths are usually pre-decided by the generation before them. The emotional and psychological toll of this can be immense. High-profile parents often have unspoken, yet palpable, expectations that their children will not just inherit the family business but also expand it. This pressure to succeed, coupled with the world’s watchful eyes, often leads to various forms of anxiety and mental health issues, carefully hidden behind closed doors.
Hidden Lives: A Double-Edged Sword of Privacy and Isolation
Given their enormous financial worth, billionaire heirs are naturally targets for all kinds of threats, including kidnapping and extortion. This leads to a life that’s very private but also exceedingly isolated. Itâs not uncommon for them to live in gated communities, attend private schools with other children of a similar socioeconomic status, and have their social activities carefully curated and supervised. While these measures ensure physical safety, they also result in a form of social isolation that makes it exceedingly difficult for these young people to form genuine, trusting relationships. Constantly shadowed by bodyguards, their interactions with the outside world are carefully monitored, which can lead to a distorted sense of reality and a deep-seated paranoia about people’s motives.
Philanthropy and Social Responsibility: Changing the Narrative
On the brighter side, a new wave of billionaire heirs and heiresses is emerging, armed with a heightened sense of social responsibility. Uncontent to simply coast along on family wealth, they’re actively working to reshape the societal impact of their fortunes. These individuals are not just pledging portions of their wealth to charitable foundations, but they are also deeply involved in issues that affect the global community, such as climate change, educational inequality, and systemic poverty.
They’re attending global summits, partnering with NGOs, and creating their own charitable initiatives to address issues they’re passionate about. Whether motivated by genuine altruism or a savvy public relations strategy, this shift towards philanthropy is a promising sign, indicating a more conscientious generation of billionaires to come.
The Complexity of Privilege
Navigating the nuanced realities of extreme wealth, especially as a young heir or heiress, is a monumental task that extends far beyond managing a financial portfolio. The challenges are multifaceted, affecting not just their material lives but also their emotional and psychological well-being. They bear the weight of generational expectations and immense responsibility, live secluded lives devoid of true personal freedom, and yet many are rising to the occasion, striving to convert their inherited wealth into meaningful change. While society often paints them with a broad brush of privilege, taking the time to understand their complexities allows us to see them as more than just their bank accounts. They’re human beings, molded by a set of incredibly unique and challenging circumstances, navigating a world that most of us will never fully understand.
Children who survived the Tsunami in the Armani Community Centre of Orphans International Sri Lanka near Galle. Jim oversaw post-Tsunami projects in the south of Sri Lanka and toured the north immediately after the war ended.
Lima, Peru. Education plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of Lima, Peru. As a city that has witnessed remarkable growth, transforming from a modest population of 640,000 in 1946 to a bustling metropolis of over 10 million today, Lima’s educational landscape holds the key to addressing the challenges that come with rapid urbanization and entrenched inequalities.
The Pursuit of Quality Education
For decades, Peru’s education system has grappled with the trade-off between quantity and quality. While enrollment rates have steadily increased, reaching near-universal levels at the primary level and 80% at the secondary level, the quality of education has lagged behind.The 2013 PISA results, which ranked Peru last among participating countries, served as a wake-up call, prompting an ambitious reform agenda aimed at revalorizing the teaching profession, improving learning quality, enhancing school management, and closing the infrastructure gap.
This reform process, fueled by strong political and financial commitment, has yielded impressive improvements in student learning outcomes. However, the journey towards educational excellence is far from over, as deep-rooted disparities persist between urban and rural areas, the affluent and the impoverished, and the Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
One of the most pressing challenges facing Lima’s education system is the stark inequality that divides the city’s districts and municipalities. Indigenous Peruvians, who make up over a quarter of the population and have historically wielded significant political power, often reside in remote, rural regions and suffer disproportionately from poverty, malnutrition, and illiteracy â a legacy of centuries of discriminatory practices.
Addressing this divide requires a multifaceted approach that goes beyond merely expanding access to education. It necessitates a concerted effort to provide high-quality education and social services to marginalized communities, ensuring that every child, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status, has an equal opportunity to thrive.
Investing in Human Capital
Peru’s remarkable economic growth over the past two decades has not been accompanied by a commensurate investment in human capital.[4] While the country has implemented first-generation reforms that fostered economic growth, it has yet to prioritize structural reforms aimed at promoting equality of opportunity through education.
Investing in education is not merely a moral imperative; it is an economic necessity. A well-educated populace is the foundation upon which sustainable development, innovation, and long-term prosperity are built. By prioritizing education and allocating resources to improve the quality of teaching, curriculum, and infrastructure, Peru can unlock the full potential of its human capital and position itself as a regional leader in the knowledge-based economy.
Moreover, by embracing Indigenous languages like Quechua and Aymara, which continue to be spoken in some regions of Peru, the education system can play a vital role in preserving and promoting these linguistic and cultural treasures. This not only empowers Indigenous communities but also enriches the nation’s cultural fabric, fostering understanding and respect among all Peruvians.
Journey Towards Brighter Future Begins in Lima’s Classrooms
As Lima and Peru navigate the challenges of the 21st century, education stands as a beacon of hope, a catalyst for positive change, and a pathway to a more equitable and prosperous future. By prioritizing quality education, bridging the divide between urban and rural areas, investing in human capital, and preserving cultural heritage, Lima can pave the way for a generation of empowered, knowledgeable, and socially conscious citizens who will shape the destiny of their city and their nation.
The road ahead is not without obstacles, but the commitment to educational excellence, coupled with a unwavering determination to address systemic inequalities, will undoubtedly yield transformative results. Lima’s journey towards a brighter future begins in its classrooms, where the seeds of knowledge, empathy, and progress are sown, nurturing the minds and hearts of those who will one day lead Peru into a new era of prosperity and unity.
Papa CJ is a spellbinding storyteller and his performance is so much more than comedy. On Broadway, Papa CJ bared not only his body, but his soul.
New York, N.Y. Crossing Times Square on perhaps the coldest, windiest night of the year to see an Indian comedian, I wished I was in Delhi. Ears frozen, I arrived not knowing what to expect. Billed as the ‘Chris Rock of India,’ I anticipated a somewhat raunchy show with a South Asian edge. What I was not expecting was an actual story – a deeply personal narrative that was so appropriately entitled Naked. I experienced the phenomenal Broadway debut of Papa CJ.
The hilarious Indian comedian, Papa CJ. Photo: Papa CJ/Prakash Daniel.
Papa CJ defies Indian stereotypes. He is a world-class global comedian whose material can be related to by any audience in the world, regardless of age, ethnicity or background – definitely not an ‘Indian stand-up comedian.’ He is an actor, a comedian, of South Asian decent. His wit is universal.
Receiving two standing ovations in the single show, Papa CJ delivered a powerhouse performance that left many men in the audience including myself in tears. The audience, consisting of multiple nationalities, was extremely receptive to both his humor and his tales of hurt and pain. Carolines on Broadway has not seen many shows like this.
South Asian men are more reluctant to share their feelings than American guys. In his show, Papa CJ speaks of the searing pain in his life – in a hysterical manner. As he takes off his mask, he also takes off his clothing. Many of my friends were in the audience including the head of the Indo-American Arts Council (IAAC), Aroon Shivdasani. All joined me in falling out of our seats.
Audiences around the world fall out of their seats when he performs. Photo: Papa CJ/Harsha Padyana.
As he shares with the audience his painful existence, he slowly reveals his psyche as well as his soul.Naked is a tale, which through the vehicle of his life describes various facets, emotions, trials and tribulations of the human, universal experience.
I had met CJ at the Light of Indian Awards at the Waldorf years ago and written about him here – and I was wondering how time had treated him. He had been funny then – was he even funnier today?, I wondered. (The answer to that question is ‘yes’ in case you’re wondering.)
Papa CJ performs Naked at Lyric Theatre in Johannesburg, South Africa. Photo: Papa CJ.
The idea behind Naked is that as human beings we build metaphorical walls around ourselves that protect us from the outside world and sometimes even from ourselves. These walls hide our deepest hopes and fears. In this show, one brick at a time he removes these walls, exposing himself with all his vulnerabilities and all his pain. This is clearly both terrifying and exhilarating at the same time. At the end of it, when he is completely naked, he has nothing to hide or hide behind and therefore becomes completely free.
I spoke with Papa CJ after the show and he told me:
“Naked is a show that comes to you when you are ready for it. It is not something you can wake up one morning and decide to create. I could not have performed this show five years ago because I doubt I would have had the skills or emotional ability to do justice to a show like Naked five years ago.”
On Broadway, Papa CJ bared not only his body, but also his soul. Photo: Papa CJ.
“It is a show that at times involves talking about deeply intense and personal topics and yet as a performer requires you to be entertaining, interesting and funny without trivializing the issues or misrepresenting the depth of emotions – that is a very, very fine line.”
Papa CJ has received a standing ovation for this show every time it has been performed in India, South Africa & America. Here, in Bangalore. Photo: Papa CJ/Harsha Padyana.
“The boundary that we comedians are slow to cross are the boundaries that exist within our own minds i.e. talking about things that make us uncomfortable. That is what I’m enjoying doing with Naked.
“Looking inwards and delving deep into chapters of my own life has allowed me to create a show that makes my audience emotionally connect with me in a way that I’ve never witnessed before. I’m really enjoying that connection. Audiences personally identify with the narrative of Naked and while all of them laugh, some of them cry and a few even walk out looking at their own lives with fresh eyes.
“Naked is very different to anything I have done before. While comedy forms the bulk of the show, I prefer to call it a multi-genre theatrical production. Unlike the stand-up I’ve done in the past, Naked has a narrative. Drama, poetry, storytelling, music, dancing, comedy, tragedy and hope are some of the elements that comprise this show.
“Unlike my usual stand-up where I am susceptible to getting carried away with audience interaction for ages, in Naked I have to curb that natural instinct a little because I have a story that I’m there to tell. I still chat with the audience of course, but not with reckless abandon!
Papa CJ has performed over 2,000 shows in 19 countries. He was the winner of both Asia’s Best Stand-up Comedian Award and India’s Best Comedian Award, as well as a finalist on America’s Last Comic Standing. Forbes has called him “the global face of Indian stand-up,” and Toastmaster International dubbed him “one of the most influential comedians around the world.”
CJ is big with corporate clients as well. He has performed for the likes of Audi, Adidas, Citibank, CISCO, Coca-Cola, Google, Lufthansa, Nokia, Oracle, Unilever, Vespa and Volkswagen.
Papa CJ is more than a comic. With an MBA degree from Oxford University, he is extremely talented – a true thought leader and global citizen. Photo: Papa CJ/Pravin Talan.
Papa CJ is so much more than a comic. With an MBA degree from Oxford University, he is indeed extremely talented – a true thought leader and global citizen. He frequently works with companies and educational institutions as a motivational speaker and executive coach as well. Last month he was invited to speak at Harvard Business School. In addition to working with executives on public speaking skills and speech writing, he also talks about what management and marketing can learn from stand-up comedy.
Against the backdrop of Carl Fredrik ReuterswĂ€rd’s powerful sculpture “Non-Violence” â the knotted gun that stands sentinel at the United Nations headquarters â Jim Luce’s writings on peace and conflict resolution offer both urgent analysis and enduring hope. Like the bronze revolver with its barrel twisted into impossibility, these essays confront the paradoxes of a world where instruments of destruction must be transformed into symbols of peace.
Through decades of dedicated journalism and advocacy, Luce examines the delicate architecture of peacebuilding, from the atomic shadows of Hiroshima to the grassroots movements emerging across continents. His work recognizes that true peace extends far beyond the mere cessation of hostilities â it demands the active cultivation of justice, understanding, and shared humanity in an increasingly fractured world.
In our interconnected world, the pursuit of peace and the resolution of conflict have never been more vital. As global citizens, we bear the responsibility to seek understanding and foster dialogue across borders, cultures, and ideologies. Our writings explore the complexities of peace, drawing from history and current events to advocate for solutions that uphold justice and human dignity. We believe in the power of collective action and leadership to create a world where peace is not merely the absence of war but the presence of equity, respect, and shared prosperity.
Jim Luce, founder of The J. Luce Foundation and a prolific writer on leadership and global citizenship, has produced a diverse body of work examining contemporary political figures and leadership principles. His 500+ articles over ten years in The Huffington Postwere picked up by the websites of Yahoo! News, Time, Businessweek, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, establishing him as a prominent voice in political commentary. His writings reflect Luce’s commitment to examining leadership across different contexts, from local politics to global affairs, while maintaining his focus on what he calls “Thought Leaders and Global Citizens.”
A collection of stories rooted in deep personal and professional connections to Japanese culture. Jim’s fascination with Japan began during his undergraduate years as an East Asian Studies major, leading him to spend his junior year at Tokyo’s prestigious Waseda University, where he immersed himself in the language, customs, and daily life of Japanese society. This formative experience opened doors to his first professional role with a Japanese bank, providing him with unique insights into both the business culture and personal relationships that define modern Japan. Through these stories, Jim explores the rich tapestry of Japanese life and the Japanese-American experience, drawing from his academic foundation and lived experiences to offer readers an authentic perspective on a culture that has profoundly shaped his worldview.
Jim Luce’s collection on Palestine and Palestinian-Americans offers a thoughtful examination of one of the world’s most complex geopolitical conflicts through the lens of balanced journalism and humanitarian concern. Writing from a principled position that supports a two-state solutionâendorsed by major international bodies including the U.S., E.U., U.N., Arab League, China, and IndiaâLuce critiques extremism on both sides while advocating for the rights and dignity of both Israeli and Palestinian peoples. His articles span from analysis of war profiteering and political leadership to cultural commentary and historical parallels, consistently emphasizing the human cost of continued conflict. Through profiles of Palestinian voices, examination of U.S. political responses, and calls for accountability from all parties, this body of work seeks to illuminate paths toward justice and lasting peace in a region too long defined by cycles of violence and retribution.
In an era where thoughtful discourse often gives way to sound bites and superficial takes, Jim Luce offers readers something increasingly rare: substantive opinion writing grounded in careful analysis and nuanced perspective. This collection brings together Luce’s incisive commentary on the issues that shape our world, from politics and policy to culture and society. Each piece reflects his commitment to examining complex topics with both intellectual rigor and accessible clarity, challenging readers to think beyond conventional wisdom. Whether dissecting current events or exploring broader themes that define our times, Luce’s voice emerges as that of a seasoned observer who understands that the most important conversations are often the most difficult ones to have.
President Joe Biden greets and poses for a photo with Chinese President Xi Jingping ahead of their bilateral meeting, Monday, November 14, 2022, at the Mulia Resort in Bali, Indonesia. (Official White House Photo by Adam Schultz)
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Original public domain image from Flickr
More than 300 of New York’s crĂšme de la crĂšme from the business, finance, and entertainment communities converged at the second annual The Light of India Awards.
New York, N.Y. More than 300 of New York’s crĂšme de la crĂšme from the business, finance, and entertainment communities converged at the second annual The Light of India Awards, an initiative created by Remit2India and presented by The Amrapali Group. I was excited to attend the first at the Waldorf Astoria on Park Avenue last year and even more delighted to attend the second at the Taj Pierre Hotel on Fifth Avenue.
Guests at Second Annual Light of India Awards at the Taj Pierre Hotel. Photo: www.michaeltoolan.com.
The awards ceremony is a platform to honor the excellence and exemplary achievements of Indians living abroad in the categories of Business, Corporate Leadership, Education, Science & Technology, Literature, and Arts and Entertainment. An extravagant blue carpet welcomed the likes of celebrities such as Arun Sarin, Narendra Patni, Professor Jagdish Bhagwati, Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Amitav Ghosh, Padma Lakshmi, Lisa Ray, Sendhil Ramamurthy, Pooja Batra, Sabeer Bhatia, and Siddhartha Mukherjee, just to name a few.
Avijit Nanda, President of TimesofMoney Group, enjoys the Light of India Awards. Photo: www.michaeltoolan.com.
The Light of India Awards are presented by the TimesofMoney Group’s Remit2India. Avijit Nanda, president of the group, told me:
“These awards are our humble initiative to acknowledge the contributions of the global Indian community in making India the emerging superpower. These leading lights have lit the global skyline with their beams of brilliance.
Papa CJ, one of India’s leading stand-up comedians, performed at Light of India Awards. Funny! Photo: www.michaeltoolan.com.
The chairman of The Amrapali Group, Dr. Anil Kumar Sharma, added:
“It is great to see so many leading luminaries excel and build the profile of India globally. The Amrapali Group is glad to be associated with these leading lights and hopes to work together in further enhancing the global image of India and its people.
Author and Indian Member of Parliament Dr. Shashi Tharoor with his son. Photo: www.michaeltoolan.com.
As Americans we are familiar with Bollywood and would expect there to be an award for entertainment, but with the Indian Diaspora adding more and more brilliant leaders into North America, arts, education, medicine and business, the categories for awards were expansive.
The breadth of achievement of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) is phenomenal:
Excellence in Business Leadership Jury Award: Bharat Desai, founder of Syntel People’s Choice Award: Gurbaksh Chahal, Chairman & C.E.O. of Radium One
Excellence in Technology Jury Award: Pradeep K. Khosla, Dean, College of Engineering Carnegie Mellon University People’s Choice Award: Sabeer Bhatia, Co-Founder of Hotmail Service
Excellence in Medical Sciences Jury Award: Siddhartha Mukherjee, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Columbia University
Siddhartha Mukherjee, Assistant Professor of Medicine at Columbia University. Photo: www.michaeltoolan.com.
Excellence in Corporate Leadership Jury Award: Anshuman Jain, Co-C.E.O. of Deutsche Bank People’s Choice Award: Padmasree Warrior, Chief Tech. Officer of Cisco Systems
Excellence in Education & Academics — Deans & Presidents Jury Award & People’s Choice Award: Renu Khator, President, Univ. of Houston
Renu Khator, President of the University of Houston, accepts Light of India Award. Photo: www.michaeltoolan.com.
I chatted extensively with Renu and found her to be particularly intelligent and captivating.
Mohanbir Sawhney, Professor of Technology at Kellogg School of Management, accepts Light of India Award for Academics (People’s Choice). Photo: www.michaeltoolan.com.
Excellence in Education & Academics- Scholars & Professors Jury Award: Soumitra Dutta, Professor of Business & Technology INSEAD People’s Choice Award: Mohanbir Sawhney, Director, Center for Research in Technology & Innovation, Kellogg School of Management
Excellence in Literature & Journalism Jury Award: Amitav Ghosh, author People’s Choice Award: Indu Sundaresan, author
Excellence in Arts & Entertainment Jury Award: Padma Lakshmi, host of ‘Top Chef’ America People’s Choice Award: Lisa Ray, actor & host of ‘Top Chef’ Canada
Arun Sarin, Former CEO of Vodafone, receives Lifetime Achievement Award from Dr. Shashi Tharoor. Photo: www.michaeltoolan.com.
Lifetime Achievement Awards Study in Global Economics: Jagdish Bhagwati, Columbia Univ. Professor & Economist Business Leadership: Narendra Patni, Founder & C.E.O. of Patni Computer Systems Global Corporate Leadership: Arun Sarin, Former C.E.O. of Vodafone Group
Geert Boven, Senior VP for The Americas for Etihad Airways presents Lifetime Achievement Award to Narendra Patni, CEO of Patni Computer Systems. Photo: www.michaeltoolan.com.
Geert Boven, Etihad Airways’ Senior Vice President Americas, said:
“The men and women honored here tonight are true pioneers and leaders in their professional spaces, paving the way for Indians living abroad with their talent, motivation and innovation. Etihad Airways is proud to continue our support of these distinguished Indian figures via our role as the international airline partner of The Light of India. The Indian community is truly a driving force behind the success of our business, both as welcomed guests and as strong pillars of our workforce.
Finally, three special awards were presented in the Grand Ball Room of The Pierre:
Amrapali Young Achievers Award Gurbaksh Chahal, Chairman & CEO of RadiumOne
Power of Influence Award in Education Satish K. Tripathi, President, University of Buffalo
Power of Influence Award in Technology Ajay V. Bhatt, Co-inventor of USB Technology
The Light of India Awards is an initiative of Remit2India, the pioneer in online money transfers, and is the chosen destination for thousands of NRIs across the globe. Part of the esteemed Times Group, Remit2India has over the years created a mark for itself both with customers as well as the industry. With its pioneering technology and unmatched reach, Remit2India now allows NRIs across 24 countries, to conveniently and safely send money to any bank and any location in India.
Actor Sendhil Ramamurthy and Pooja Batra co-emceeing the awards show. Pooja is the former Miss India and UB Group Brand Ambassador. Photo: www.michaeltoolan.com.
The Awards are presented each year by The Amrapali Group. Focusing on Greater Noida, Indirapuram and other East Delhi locations, the Amrapali Group has completed projects spread over more than 100 acres. What makes the Amrapali group stand out is its steadfast dedication to quality and efficient service. Established by Mr. Anil Sharma, a civil engineer from IIT Kharagpur and a former government employee, Amrapali is run by a group of highly competent engineers and over 50 professional and 150 supervisory-grade employees.
I’ve been so impressed with Evolve Entertainment’s coordination and planning of the last two Light of India Awards, and I’m looking forward to see what Sapnna Vats and her team have in store for next year’s event.
This is my twentieth trip to Haiti over ten years. Everything seems changed — and yet nothing has changed. It is the first ever I have had to circle Port-au-Prince because air traffic was stacked up. Bill Clinton and George Bush arrived just yesterday.
As we landed, I saw more planes on the ground then I have ever seen here â and so many, many helicopters. Traditionally, there was the American Airlines flight once a day from New York and another American flight from Miami. A few Canadian flights came down from Montreal.
The airport terminal is surrounded by refugee tents as most of Haiti is now homeless.
The airport is unsafe and closed following the January 12 earthquake, so we were bused from the plane to a hanger where the oldImmigration booths were carted over to deal with the throngs of relief workers and returning Haitians from the Diaspora.
The earthquake has severely damaged a severely damaged nation to begin with. Four out of five of Haitiâs homes are said to have collapsed, killing an untold number of people — many still buried beneath the rubble. [Update: approx. 250,000 died] There is no stench, however, due to the intensity of the unmerciful Caribbean sun.
I survived an earthquake in Aceh, Indonesia following the Tsunami there that killed about as many people. I experienced that, during a quake, oneâs door shakes in its frame so violently it cannot be opened. I soon learn that most Haitians had time to leave their home, but many were so tragically imprisoned– and then violently crushed to death.
Even those whose homes still standâabout 10% of the countryâhave been warned by the government not to sleep inside because of the aftershocks. Through March, it is still officially âRelief & Recovery,â but in April, theoretically, âReconstructionâ begins.
On the smaller streets, much of the roads are often covered with 6-foot piles of cement debris. Cement dust coats all of Haiti, as 9/11 dust coated New York. The upcoming rains will still the dust, but the flooding and disease will be far worse.
I thought I was prepared for the destruction from being in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, shortly after the Tsunami. In Sri Lanka, too. But the street scene in Haiti today reminds me more of photos I have seen of the WWII bombings of London and Berlin. Total destruction.
After the Tsunami, you could drive inland in either country until things returned to normal â usually in less than a mile. But here, there is no safety zone. Jacmel, which our team visits, seems to be the least affected.
Ironically, the streets of Haiti over the last ten years have frequently been covered in garbage, while the insides of the homes were clean. Now, the homes have all been reduced to garbage, many with dried bodies entombed inside — but an army of street sweepers keep the roadways tidy.
Today our team shared breakfast with Dr. Tiffany Keenan as she travelled from her base in Jacmel to Port-au-Prince. She was off to meet with AmeriCares and Sean Pennâs group in the nationâs capital, and half of our team joined her.
Seanâs group is known as J/P HRO (Haitian Relief Organization). The âJ/Pâ stands for the initials of Diana Jenkins and Sean Penn. Immediately after the earthquake on January 12, Sean texted her âHaiti?â âYes,â she responded. And their partnership was formed. They have possibly the largest population of IDPâs in the country, with more than 60,000 in one camp.
Dr. Tiffany Keenan of Bermuda knows Haiti well and has been a key player following the quake.
I know Tiffany through Paul Stevers, the visionary founder of CharityHelp International (CHI), who introduced us. She is a charismatic leader who knows all of Haiti and is dedicated to its reconstruction.
Our team reports over dinner how Sean Penn looks like he has really been living in the trenches since his arrival after the quake to organize a refugee camp. They told me two things of interest: Sean was completely adverse to publicity, and that his camp was incredibly well organized. Neither description fit my preconception of a Hollywood star.
The other half of our group stayed behind to set up our base tent, donated by a college student in Beijing, and to meet with the U.N. organizing body Office for the Coordination of Human Affairs (OCHA), the U.N. troops on the ground known as MINUSTAH, as well as UNICEF, and Save the Children. We were able to set it up with ropes and duct tape â it feels like home already.
Not as nice as the Doctors Without BordersorInternational Red Cross facilities we later tour, but home nonetheless to our team of about a dozen with roots in the U.S., Japan, Belgium, Korea, and China.
We are set up in the complex of Haitiâs well-known bottled water company, Belo. Yet, here, water is often bagged, not bottled. Haitians open the bag with their teeth and drink the contents in one sitting. The home of the companyâs family is next to our tent â pancaked like most other homes here.
The enormity of the disaster meant that the only facility they had to offer us to stay in was the companyâs main office. We were surprised by their offer to allow us to bunker down there. I could not imagine any corporation anywhere in the world welcoming relief workers into the sanctity of their presidentâs office.
Full electricity — running water– indoor and outdoor showers. Tent camps with IDPs in front and beside us. After erecting our own office tents, we tour two facilities that survived the quake owned by Haitian schools who we are negotiating a partnership with our team, led by Orphans International Worldwide (OIW).
Our team includes representation from my own organization, Orphans International Worldwide, Child Education International (formerly The Cambodia Projectâ now expanded into Sri Lanka and Haiti), the We Canât Have That Foundation— and a slew of videographers and photographers such as Keiko Tsuyamawho I wrote about last year, and Catianne Tijerina, a photojournalist from Washington, D.C.
Many Haitians are distrustful of the international NGO community and many quote to me the statistics they have read, that only 40 cents on the dollar in âHaiti aidâ actually makes it to Haitians. The rest is eaten up in administrative costs. I am happy to say my own NGO has zero administrative costs as my Board pays them out-of-pocket. My own salary with Orphans International Worldwide is $1 per year.
The day would not be complete without a formal team ending. So as a special treat, off to the countryside to an outdoor restaurant where all NGOs eat. Haitian rum and Prestige â the award-winning Haitian beer â were served, and we unwound together, building community far from New York, in the warm embrace of devastated Haiti.
Photos by Morgan Freeman.
Other Stories by Jim Luce about Reconstruction in Haiti
Known as âOCHA,â this U.N. branch is connecting the disconnected after the earthquake. We say hello to UNICEF and Save the Children leaders, and then head for the U.N.âs MINUSTAH command center â where the almost 1,000 Sri Lankan peacekeepers under the leadership of Commander Colonel Jayanath Jayaweera, Lt. Colonel Wasantha Herath, and Major Dalsara Dharmsena.
We begin the meeting with the major and then are introduced again to the lieutenant colonel, and finally to the colonel and base commander. Commander Colonel Jayanath Jayaweera has an incredible story that I look forward to telling soon.
Having been in Sri Lanka many times after the 2004 Tsunami, I was delighted to chat about coastal villages in and around the city of Galle in the Southern province of Sri Lanka. Last month, Orphans International Worldwide (OIW) presented the Sri Lankan Ambassador to the U.N., Dr. Palitha Kohona, our Global Citizenship Award in New York.
We are meeting with friends, and our friends immediately offered to do anything in their power to make our mission a success. Loading into U.N. military vehicles, we led a convoy to our new partner school, a three-story structure still standing that had surprisingly escaped the U.N.âs radar. The commander was shocked and delighted that a structure so marvelous had survived and pledged his forces to help clean the minor debris and make minor repairs.
Surveying our new site with the U.N. Commander, where we have partnered with a local school.
The U.N. team, surrounded by blue helmets with machine guns, surveyed our new site and proclaimed it both highly secure and in a safe location. Although we wait a final written engineering report, MINUSTAH leadership agreed with the engineerâs report that the building was structurally sound.
MINUSTAH promised to be the conduit for all supplies we will need to ship to Haiti, including tents from China, computer equipment from the U.S. and Europe, and other technology from Japan and Korea. This will help us by-pass the incredible corruption and thievery of the international airport and get much-needed supplies into the hands of Haitians in need.
I am particularly fond of MINUSTAH because in another sector of Haiti, after Hurricane Jeanne, I was almost killed by a riot sparked by miscommunication. The police attempted to rescue me, but they themselves were overrun by the crowd. MINUSTAH, French-speaking WestAfrican troops in that sector, came in to rescue me and the police both. I wrote about this frightening experience for the BBC (here).
Days later, the Haitian-American engineer I sit next to on the plane home tells me, âIf it werenât for MINUSTAH, all hell would have broken loose here after the earthquake.â
With Kyung-hoo Roh and Major Dalsara Dharmsenathe of U.N MINUSTAH at our new location â one of the few three-story school buildings that survived the earthquake anywhere in Haiti.
Returning to our original base camp at the water company, we began the second interview of the original 200 applicants for our four-year full scholarships to a college in Beijing.
Phadoul has a background in both child psychology and business administration and serves as administrator of one of Haitiâs best pediatric hospitals in the nationâs capital. Phadoul travelled with me to Indonesia to train there with Orphans International Worldwide years ago and is a frequent guest of ours in New York.
Former Orphans International Worldwide Officer Phadoul Amisial with U.N. commanders in background.
One of the applicants that easily passed Phadoul and the team was a medical student at one of Haitiâs top medical schools. When the earthquake destroyed virtually all universities across Haiti, he suddenly had no medical school to return to.
Many other applicants had also begun university here, in the fields of computer science, civil engineering, business administration, nursing, and agronomics. Ten of the 40 will theoretically go on after a year to four years full scholarship in Beijing.
We have finally chosen 23 men and 17 women for the 40 spots, but continue to finalize second interviews with a few stragglers. We are trying to have as many women as men.
I interview one particularly engaging but inappropriate applicant for this process on video as he has already graduated from university in education and is looking for a Masterâs degree scholarship. Hopefully, someone in admissions somewhere in the world will be able to help this bright man named Remy.
After dinner, we meet Philippe Beauliere, principal of Nouveu College SurinEveillardSecondary School to finalize our new agreement. High schools in Haiti are referred to as âcollege.â
We meet in the pitch-black night, at a table lit by flashlight. Our team discussed assisting with traditional high school academic curriculum, as well as potential high school and college vocation training. We will continue to work out the details but shook hands to make a move into the school immediately.
In front of the Ecole la Redemption, where Orphans International Worldwide and our NGO partners will locate our efforts and resources to do our part in the reconstruction of post-earthquake Haiti.
After a staff meeting, half of our global team left for meetings in Port-au-Prince. We will all rendezvous in several days to fly back to New York. One quarter of our team crossed the mountain on the road badly earthquake-damaged.
They went to Jacmel to meet local leaders to discuss potential collaboration towards reconstruction and orphan care in Jacmel. I began a program in Jacmel years ago which eventually moved to GonaĂŻves after Jacmel. I know the city well and it has a special place in my heart.
Evens Anozine and school leader Dominique Beauliere meet at our base camp.
Internet-connectivity is integral to the elementary and secondary school, to virtually all our NGO partners here local and international, and especially to Orphans International Worldwide. OIW uses the Internet to connect its projects around the world through daily staff conferences via one of our corporate sponsors,Skype.
Our teamâs Vanessa Kim interviews Kyung-hoo Roh of Good Neighbors at our new location â one of the few three-story schools that survived the earthquake anywhere in Haiti.
Meetings continue on the side throughout the day. I agreed with our new local NGO partner, the Nouveu College Surin Eveillard secondary school principal Philippe Beauliere, to not only support students in the 13th grade, but also students in the 12th grade as well. Both will stand for national university entrance examinations April 2011, if not sooner. No one really knows yet. The government lies in ruin.
Towards the end of the day, we receive our first Internet connectivity since we have been in Haiti and I find about 1,500 e-mails waiting for me. I sent out a message to our immediate team members in New York that we are alive and well and making tremendous progress, knowing I will have full access by the next day and can spend 12 hours catching up with correspondence.
Our team technician and videographer sets up our satellite disk on the roof.
I also took a moment to update my Facebook profile with our progress, for the first time in five days.
In five days we had struck multiple new partnerships with NGOs and local corporations, made tremendous progress networking with the United Nations âblue helmetsâ (MINUSTAH), the U.N. coordinating body OCHA, hired local and global staff, set up several tent classrooms in preparation for next Monday, April 5 re-opening of the Haitian educational system â and got our entire team connected to the Worldwide Web.
Change begins with all of us. All of us here â our 12 international team members â are involved with enormous, life-transformative change. We will return to the U.S. shortly, but we will remain connected via the Internet. We are Internet-connected.
Photos by Orphans International Worldwide/Morgan Freeman.
Other Stories by Jim Luce about Reconstruction in Haiti
Having lived for almost half a century in a Creole-speaking working-class environment close to my rural roots, I soon sensed and penetrated the essence, nuances and profound beauty of my mother tongue. Through the Larousse dictionary, classic works and narrative novels, I began learning FRENCH. And I produced my first literary works in French. I had to wait until 1975 to produce DĂZAFI, which was the first real novel in the Creole language in general, in terms of its authenticity and modernity, given that ATIPA, by the Guyanese writer Alfred Parepou, is closer to the traditional narrative. I have been able to create novels, poetry and plays in both French and Creole without difficulty, without rupture, without trauma, even though I was sometimes addressing two different audiences. There was simply a phenomenon of interaction and enrichment using these two linguistic instruments with their differences, specificities and affinities.
In terms of its authenticity and modernity, DĂZAFI is the first real novel in the Creole language
In the course of your life, you have survived poverty and dictatorship, and overcome many hardships. Were books your salvation?
Obviously, painting, literary production and my theatrical activities (as a playwright and actor) contributed greatly to my salvation, enabling me to overcome the many trials that disrupted my existence âon that long, untranquil river that is LIFEâ.
A communist activist until the age of 40 in the face of the ferocious DUVALIER dictatorship, I was gradually steered by the events of Haitian history and my personal experiences towards a move away from the Communist Party and Marxist ideology. Yet I didn’t become religious. I’m Christic, because of my faith in the exceptional mythology of Christ, who humbly transcended all human stupidity to gain early access to the Sublime and Pathetic Divine Nature. For me, GOD is Source Energy, bursting forth and present in the smallest particles of the INFINITE UNIVERSE. My current trajectory is dominated by a spiritual sensibility found in quarks, leptons, hadrons, quanta and all elementary particles that are psycho-matter endowed with a form of intelligence.
You’ve always chosen to live in Haiti. What does your writing owe to this tumultuous island?
Through the enigmatic, chaotic and mysterious massif of HAITI, the Divine Intelligence of Universal Energy has given me everything, from my obscure birth to my dazzling 87th birthday.
It was fortunate that my biological father gave nothing to my mother, the little peasant girl, nor to me, the brilliant reject, the atypical writer-artist chosen by the Light and Breath of the Absolute Spirit. Otherwise, there wouldn’t have been the 60-odd books I’ve written or the five thousand paintings I’ve done in 60 years of intensive labour. This has made me an original madman who must have disturbed any number of ânormalâ people.
I invested myself totally and alone in the fabulous adventure of SPIRALISM. I’ve never bothered to plan ahead or to know where I’ll be landing. In fact, I’ve never landed anywhere. I’m here in my country and in every corner of the world. I’ve always been on the move, in search of new things. Permanent creation is an odyssey with no stopovers, which continues through multiple pitfalls (storms, tempests, tornadoes, hurricanes, torments) and all kinds of unpredictable dangers, apart from a few rare stretches of illusory happiness.
The Spiral aesthetic enabled me to explore the complexity of our Universe and its mysterious energy in perpetual vibratory, gyratory and gravitational motion
I danced my tormented life on a mysterious pommel horse with my voice shaken by intense, dense cries, often in the middle of an immense desert. Courageously, I took on the Spiral aesthetic to the end, and through my eruptive, whirling writing, it enabled me to explore the complexity of our Universe and its mysterious energy in perpetual vibratory, gyratory and gravitational motion. In every field (literary, artistic, scientific), authenticity is paramount. Innovation remains a gamble, a challenge, a folly involving the leap of risk, the leap of faith. With my eyes closed, I continue to leap on a journey full of uncertainties, without questioning whether there is a mat or a cushion ready to receive me and soften my fall. I’ll jump until my last breath.
In Port-au-Prince, you founded a school and taught for many years, mathematics in particular. What did you learn from this experience?
I’m multidimensional, having taught Haitian Literature, French Literature, Social Sciences, Physics, Mathematics and Philosophy. This has enabled me to realize that we live in a Universe of Mysterious Energy, and that all the elements of this strange UNIVERSE are permanently interconnected. The UNIVERSE is holistic, yet marked by diversity, unity, symbiosis, synergy, polyphony, infinity and, paradoxically, also by the fragile, the vulnerable and the ephemeral. Everything is linked and connected in the infinite beats of the DIVINE Mystery, elusive, indecipherable, untranslatable and unpredictable within a fertile chaotic matrix where Light and Darkness intertwine and interpenetrate for the emergence of the FUTURE in an unpredictable world.
There are many affinities between Mathematics and Poetry, especially at the level of signs, symbols, the imaginary, the concrete, the intangible, the real and the virtual. Mathematical language and poetic language often transport us beyond the tangible and visible. Poetic metaphors are not far removed from the utopian and fabulous journeys of hypothetical and phantasmagorical signs that weave, intertwine and intermingle in the field of mathematical beings. Poetry often reveals itself as the musical magic of waves, vibrations and gravitational spirals teeming with signs, curves and numbers, impossibly fleeting in the miraculous harmony of incompatibles.
Your play Melovivi ou Le piĂšge, published in 2010 but written in 2009, features two characters confronted with chaos in the aftermath of an earthquake, a few months before the earthquake that struck Haiti in January 2010. Is a writer necessarily something of a visionary?
Not all writers are visionaries. But there are rare poet-prophets who, nourished by the Breath of the Imagination, the Sap of the Word and the Light of the Spirit, manage to glimpse, perceive and feel the palpitations and vibrations of the future world. The infinite antennae of the human soul are fed by spiritual energy, which often projects us beyond the visible. What we don’t perceive is undeniably richer, more complex and even much truer than the flat reality of visible, palpable things.
You are a poet, playwright and novelist. Your books often combine text, drawing and collage. Are you in search of a total language?
Certainly, total language remains the ideal spiral path that offers us the chance to discover the opulence of vital movement. Everything is spiral, global, total, capital and holistic.
Spiral aesthetics feed on total language to explore galaxies, black holes, stars, planets, supernovae, comets, asteroids, the Infinite Universe as well as infinitely small corpuscles. Creative and innovative writing is linked to total language. It’s a poetic, spiritual, metaphysical and scientific quest.
You’re also a painter. How does painting relate to writing?
Painting, through the interweaving and amalgamation of pigments, offers greater freedom and enjoyment than literary creation, which is trapped, managed, enslaved, asphyxiated and impoverished by too many academic, traditional, rigid and restrictive standards. In the act of painting, every gesture is significant and allows for all kinds of journeys, even the wildest. I often suffer mentally, psychologically and intellectually when I write, whereas the playful, joyful and liberal dimension is manifest, explosive, luminous and concrete in the inextinguishable fire of polyphonic and âchaophonicâ colours and forms.
