We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day. ~Edith Lovejoy Pierce
2008 glides into history. It has been an epic year. Only time will tell whether 2008 has been the "landmark year" of our times.
2008 has been a historical year for many reasons - Obama's victory, Wall Street collapse, Mumbai Terror Attacks. To rate the events in terms of impact and importance would be "cheap".
2008 will stand out as the year when the world changed. There is a silent sociological change that is sweeping the globe. There have been multiple events that lack precedence. While election of Barack Obama was "the big change event" of the year. There were events that - according to me - were equally important. Important because they symbolized change.
The peace march in Mumbai post the terror attacks showed the determined face of India. The New India. The fact that the Indian of the Year 2008 is "the Unknown Soldier" (and Mr.Hemant Karkare was rated second) not a cricket player or a Bollywood artist is so extremely encouraging. Or the fact that the "socially underprivileged" stormed a temple that was "closed for them"- demanding equal rights. So refreshing. So different.
I have read commentaries by prominent global magazines on how Indian growth engine has been jolted because of western world's economic turmoils and then the terror attacks. I think all such commentaries are shortsighted. They are based on short term economic fluctuations (and needless to mention, any predictions on economic parameters in today's world will be flawed). 2008 showed the world, the face of the New Indian - a resilient - confident - progressive face that will build the New India.
Any change comes with its share of pain. And 2008 has been no different. (Many if not most people are happy that 2008 is finally over).However, I have no doubt in my mind that when we look back in time - we would realize that 2008 was the year when the world became a bit different or maybe a lot different.
Happy New Year to you and your families.
Udayan
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