Goodbye 2008......byezzz

As we welcome 2009 with open arms.....though stretch of the arms is slightly less than tht we had in 2008, keeping in mind the happenings of the recent year. But still the New Year brings with it hope, a hope for change, a change for the better.

We have seen quite a lot during 2008, both globally and locally. Globally, everyone’s been affected by recession/depression, whatever you may call it. We have been hearing about pink slips being handed out, Stock markets crashing worldwide mostly due to the sub prime crisis, oil prices hitting a high of 150$ a barrel and finally settling at 35$ at year end. The after effects of recession have been disturbing to say the least; one has seen companies like Lehmann Brothers go bankrupt. Not just on the economic front, nature’s fury was also seen at full blast, tornadoes in USA, cyclone 'Nargis' much closer to home in Burma, earthquake in China. Tension between countries was evident as Israel continued to conduct air strikes in March and Dec, USA continued its mission to bring 'peace' to Iraq but as usual not making much headway in doing the same. Also piracy in the true sense of the word was seen in Somalia, it was something we had seen and heard of only in books or movies, but when we got to see it in real life, trust me it wasn’t a great feeling. Bill 'Microsoft' Gates stepped down as the chairman in 2008, we witnessed once of the biggest sporting events 'The Beijing Olympics' in 2008. Also a great 'change' was seen in the political scene, with a change in government in Pakistan (Dictator Pervez Mush being overthrown), 240 year old monarchy being abolished in Nepal, Fidel Castro stepping down as President of Cuba (after 49 years) only to give it away to his younger brother Raul Castro, but the medal of honor goes to Barack Obama President-elect USA. Something that was said to be impossible, a black guy of African descent who spent most of his childhood in Asia, one with a truly global upbringing manages to become the head of state. Thing like these are expected only in the greatest democracy of the world India! We had at one point in time a Muslim President, a Sikh Prime Minister, Christian as the head of the party in power in a country with predominantly Hindu population!

Now that we are talking about India, lets look at things that have affected the local scene. Stock market saw a high of 21000 only to close at 9700 at the end of 2008, inflation touching a record high of 12.65%, Rupee at its lowest of 50 Rs to a $, though quite a few pink slips have been handed out , the overall scene is still stable when compared to the world scene. One of the biggest problems that India has faced in the series of terrorist attacks throughout the country Jaipur, Bangalore, New Delhi, Guwahati, Malegaon Blasts and lastly 26/11 attacks in Mumbai. Indians have been targeted not just in India but at other places too, example being the attack on the Indian embassy in Afghanistan. But one shudnt be so negative when looking back at 2008, as this was also a year in which we saw some extraordinary sporting feats being achieved. Abinav Bindra winning an Olympic gold, Indian Cricket team beating Australia at home (ODI) and then at home (Tests), inaugural IPL becoming a huge hit, retirement of legendary players like Saurav Ganguly and Anil Kumble, Anand Vishwanathan becoming world No.1, Saina Nehwal reaching the Semis in World Badminton Championships. Also great leaps were taken by the Indian Space scientist, firstly creating a world record by launching 10 satellites into space during one space flight, then by successfully launching Chandrayaan into space. Lastly Indian Cinema managed to enthrall audiences not just in India but worldwide with the release of some masterpieces like Taare Zameen Par, A Wednesday, Jodha Akbar, Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, Shaurya, Rock On!, etc.....

Well that was most of what I can remember of 2008, a year full of surprises and am I glad that its finally over, I guess out of the 21 years of my existence, 2008 has been the wildest, scariest and most thought provoking one....lets see what happens around the world and in India in the year 2009. All the best to all!