As we go to print, a despot has been captured. Just a fortnight ago, the commander-in-chief of the world’s most powerful army shared the Thanksgiving turkey with his troops in Iraq. Some call it bravery, some call it pre-election tactics. Why not good leadership? If every act of a leader is only for a business motive, there is no humanity left in business. Finally, business is made possible only by humans. Like you and me.

If the President’s visit was a gimmick, will it be remembered in 2004 November? After all, how many of us remember the day the Nasdaq dived below the 2000 mark? Today, some of the biggest business magazines are writing stories about the renewed Valley parties. So familiar.

So, is the recession over? We can’t say for sure yet. But there is a renewed spate of venture funding in new ideas. This issue has three veteran venture capitalists writing about what they think would be “hot” in the coming years. Read them with care. Your next winning idea could come from the following pages.

Ashoke Dutt. Apparently, this high-ranking Discover vice president hides a mean handicap on the links. It isn’t surprising. Look at his achievements with Citibank a decade and more ago—from corporate banking to consumer credit cards, outsourcing, and more were established in a chaotic India. At a time when Narayan Murthy was still working on his shining brand image for Infosys. When Wipro and Satyam were still emerging companies. All this against almost impossible odds—banking was still not free from regulations, infrastructure was pathetically capable of handling measly demands. Naysayers, beware! India is an awesome power.

Startups are still a force to reckon with. Digiprise is a good example. As Rangachari and Gundavelli mount their attack on establishment, we can only applaud their commitment and bravado. Hosted services could yet be the solution that could rejuvenate the SME economies.

Which brings me to an important issue. While our magazine has reached the majority of corporate America, there are new companies that constantly sprout up—of whom we know nothing. I would like to welcome everyone of these innovators to be a part of our growing circulation. To get to know you, please do register your company on our website homepage, nominating your company for the “Startup of the Month.”

As we look forward into the next year, let us not forget the lessons of the past. That technology works only if somebody uses it. Let all our innovations be useful.

My team at siliconindia and I would like to wish you a wonderful year ahead.