Actor Akash Das Nayak and (below) actress Archita

Bhubaneswar, Dec. 31: New Year is not just the time to celebrate with friends and family, but also to view in retrospect the year gone by and plan the future course of action.

Celebrities from different walks of life in Odisha draw up their wishlist for 2013 and hope that this year turns out to be safer, especially for women.

Actor Akash Das Nayak, who finds time for philanthropic causes despite a hectic schedule, looks at the past year’s events and wants the mindset of the people to change for good. “Last year saw the whole nation coming together to protest against corruption and crime against women. I wish for more active citizen participation against crime and social issues.

“The country can only prosper when we collectively share the responsibility to bring positive change,” said the actor, who also wished a booming year for the Odia film industry.

Danseuse Aruna Mohanty wants to remain a workaholic all-year round. But she has one more wish too.

“In 2013, I wish to see the whole of India united against any humiliation or crime against women, be it emotional or physical. I hope violence is replaced by love,” said Mohanty.

Actresses Prakruti Mishra and Archita too echoed similar sentiments by saying that they want 2013 to be a safe year for women.

“Last year was traumatic for Indian women. I just hope we get our dignity back and men in our country learn to respect us as humans and for being their mothers, sisters and daughters,” said the bubbly Prakruti.

Archita demands reverence for women in a society that swears by its moral value system. “I want to see more happy faces. Though it was preposterous, but we defied doomsday and we must live life to the fullest this year,” she said.

Designer Pritam Panda has shows lined up till October 2013. So, his wish is to spend as much time as possible at home. He also desires to highlight Odisha’s handlooms more in his works and showcase them at global platforms.

“The year ahead is brimming with opportunities and one must try to make best use of them. I know some youngsters in Odisha who have been working very hard to get their share of fame and success. I hope this year they are able achieve their goals,” said Panda.