THE EVENTWHEN: October 21, 2011WHERE: Taj Lands End, MumbaiOrganised by: ASAPP Media Information GroupThe 9th Construction World Annual Awards 2011The word 'vision' is an intriguing one. As any self-respecting dictionary will tell you, it denotes a vivid, imaginative conception or anticipation. Even on an individual level, it is potent stuff: a roadmap to the future; a light that illuminates your view of tomorrow. Imagine, then, the power of a collective vision: many minds, one objective; many dream­ers, one dream; many perspectives, one pinnacle.That's what was so special - and spectacular - about the 9th Construction World Annual Awards 2011. Everyone at the event, from GVK Reddy, Chairman, GVK Group, and Construction World 'Man of the Year' 2011 and Chief Guest Dr Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament, to each person in attendance, had a shared vision: a vision to build India, sustainably, ethically and gloriously. And this vision was articulated time and again - in the VIP room, where the winners, jury members and keynote speakers exchanged notes; on stage; in the audience; and over cocktails and dinner.The award ceremony began with the traditional lighting of the lamp, following which each successive speaker held the audience rapt. Construction is an important part of developmental activity in any part of the world, affirmed Reddy. India has a lot of opportunities; what we need is buil­ders. He concluded his speech by urging the government to liberalise more; giving us more opportunities to build our infrastructure. For her part, Mili Majumdar, Director, TERI, the first Construction World 'Woman of the Year', urged builders to build responsibly. Her message was succinct: We should learn to share our resources. While Indu Shahani, Sheriff of Mumbai and Guest of Honour at the awards emphasised the need to build more schools and colleges, Justice Santosh Hedge, Former Lokayukta and Keynote Speaker, made a powerful case for ethical building. And then it was the turn of Dr Tharoor, who came in straight from the airport after a whirlwind tour of six cities over two weeks. His 30-minute talk was both insightful and energising. We need both the hardware of development and the software, he said, going on to urge builders to abstain from corrupt practices. If those of us who find ourselves obliged to give, refuse to give; where will the takers go?Indeed, such words formed the leitmotif of an evening that was both celebratory in spirit and inspiring in nature. The vision - to build a better India - that was evocated through the evening was not just shared; it was also resplendent: a beacon to a more honourable, more sustainable future.