We are into the final week of 2011, which has been characterized of revolutions and protests. Egypt is still witnessing clashes, crisis looms large over Syria, Iraq is facing after-shocks after withdrawal of U.S troops and Pakistan government reportedly fears another coup. Even Russian Premier Vladimir Putin, whose Presidential candidature appeared to be unchallenged at the outset, is facing some challenge at home. Japan faced worst ever earthquake and Tsunami, which triggered nuclear radiation from Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant. Thailand suffered terrible floods since late July, which caused loss of lives, property and livelihood.
North Korea lost Kim Jong-il. The leadership of North Korea is now in the hands of a young Kim Jong-un and the world has to wait to see his approach to international relations and ties with South Korea. Way back in 1994, when Kim Jong-il took over the leadership of the country, the world hoped for a change in country’s policy. Far from it, North Korea went on to conduct nuclear test. The year has been mixed for India. Anna Hazare’s movement and the Lokpal debate has reached the climax stage as the year draws to a close. Fasts, Yatras and Rallies made headlines.
Mamata Banerjee ended 34 year rule of the Left parties in West Bengal. She took a tough stand on the Teesta water sharing issue with Bangladesh. We also saw Mamata directly taking on the Maoists. Ironically even though Mamata started her tenure by making surprise visits to hospitals in Kolkata, there were reports of child deaths in the state. She faces a daunting task ahead. J. Jayalalitha came back to power in Tamil Nadu. On the one hand, Telangana region witnessed intense agitation for separate statehood, Mayawati is seeking division of Uttar Pradesh. Manipur suffered a very long economic blockade. Five states are going to polls soon and the electorate again faces the dilemma of choice.
Rising inflation and high interest rates were the trend. As the year draws to a close, there has been reversal of trend, food inflation has come down slightly, and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has hinted reversal of the trend of rising interest rate. India lost flamboyant Shammi Kapoor and evergreen Dev Anand, cricketing great Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, singing maestros Jagjit Singh and Bhupen Hazarka.
On the lighter vein, Shonan Kothari made the news by organizing Mumbai’s first ever flash mob dance. Dhanush made the entire country sing to the tunes of Kolaveri Di….On the sporting front, Dhoni steered India to a magnificent World Cup win, ending a 28 year wait. The entire country erupted with joy and came out on the roads to celebrate. Sehwag enthralled cricket fans with scintillating double century against West Indies. Few more consistent knocks and perhaps, we will have another Mr. Dependable in the form of Rohit Sharma. Ravindra Jadeja has been making all round contributions. All eyes are on the test series against Australia, which begins on the Boxing Day, and that evasive century of centuries by the Master blaster. India witnessed the first ever F1 Grand Prix. The countdown for London Olympics has begun. Government has expanded the scope of Bharat Ratna awards paving the way for sporting greats to receive the country’s highest civilian award.
As of now, millions across the world are celebrating Christmas, and gearing up for the New Year. And yes, there are millions across the world, for whom the primary concern is survival. Festivals and new years just pass by untouched.