Hasnain Walji's note from Insight Magazine (Ex-President of World Khoja Federation)

Having been a keen observer of the development of our community, I cannot but help recall the quote by Angeles Arien's:- `People who share a common direction and sense of community, can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are traveling in the thrust of one another.'

This principle is aptly illustrated by Arien's study of Geese flying in a V formation as they migrate and the lessons we learn from it:-

Fact 1: As each goose flaps its wings it creates `uplift' for the birds that follow. By flying in a `V' formation, the whole flock adds 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew alone.

Lesson 1: People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.

Fact 2: When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone. It quickly falls back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front of it.

Lesson 2: If we have as much sense as a goose we stay in formation with those headed where we want to go. We are willing to accept their help and give our help to others.

Fact 3: When a goose tires, it rotates back into formation and another goose flies in the point position.

Lesson 3: It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership. As with geese, people are interdependent on each other's skill, capabilities and unique arrangements of gifts, talents or resources.

Fact 4: The geese flying in formation honk to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

Lesson 4: We need to make sure our honking is encouraging. In groups where there is encouragement the production is much greater. The power of encouragement is the quality of honking we need.

Fact 5: When a goose gets sick, wounded or shot down, two geese fall out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay with it until it dies or is able to fly again. Then they launch out with another formation or catch up with the flock.

Lesson 5: If we have as much sense as geese, we will stand by each other in difficult times as well as when we are strong.