Remembering 2013

Source: www.zastavki.com

A year has gone by leaving behind moments and memories of a lifetime.  Like any other year, 2013 had its share of highs and lows. But unlike its predecessors, it also had the opportunity to witness events that were momentous enough to leave a mark on history. Some that brought tears to the eye and made the heart cry while others that brought in smiles and made the chest puff up in pride. Few of those come to mind as I type this, moments that made a difference, changed a few perceptions and confirmed age old beliefs.

Rest in Peace Nirbhaya – Crime against women had never been a stranger to our country but what Nirbhaya did  was awaken the average Indian and make them stand up for what is right. 2013 began with protests all around, signaling the coming together of the common man.

Uttarakhand Floods – Having visited the place weeks before it got flooded this event held a special place in my heart. The land of the holy, the abode of Shiva and Vishnu was savaged through by nature’s fury. Stranding pilgrims and damaging temples, the darker side of nature was exposed, as it washed away villages and eroded mountainsides, damaging the spirituality of the place permanently.

Bollywood makeover – Known mainly for “masala” and item numbers, Bollywood surprised many with movies such as Lunchbox and The Ship of Thesus. 2013 was a year where small budget movies not only survived the box office but went on to be declared as hits thus bringing in a new wave of Indian cinema.

The Little Master’s retirement – While I have always been a Rahul Dravid fan (for more reasons than just cricket ahem ahem); the emotion behind Tendulkar’s retirement could not escape me. No form of cricket was known to exist without him… at least as far as my generation was concerned. Millions across the globe watched him leave the ground, never to come back knowing that Cricket would no longer be the same.

The fall of Indian Media – While behaviour exhibited by the Media confounded me all through the year, two incidents marred its power for me. The Tejpal sexual harassment case and the Goa Writers Group scandal painted a gory picture, with one facet exposing the façade most media persons carry and the other depicting how influential writers can make news vanish into thin air. It was a show that made a mockery of what we have always known writing and journalism to be.

The revival of Sec. 377 – The verdict of the Supreme Court has been beaten to death, but what made a difference to me was not the decision but the unanimous reaction that came against it from all corners of the country. Indians proved how much they have progressed with that one sentiment. They proved that all was not lost with India. While the authorities were stepping back in time, Indians had their eyes set on the future.

Winds of Change – AAP’s historic victory in Delhi proved yet again the sentiments of the Indian people. Having had to live with two of India’s oldest parties and their prejudices and cynical beliefs for decades together, the possibility of an option that could improve the dilapidated state of the country was enough to make the people sit up and take notice. Taking matters in their own hands, they took a decision to herald a change and take the first step towards progress. It was a true tribute to democracy.

The launch of Mangalyaan – India successfully launched its very own Mars orbiter. It made my chest puff up with pride. I am sure yours did too.

The Jan Lokpal Bill – Anna Hazare’s efforts finally paid off. A bill that was tabled in the Parliament since 1968 was finally passed. While it might not address all points from the original draft, it sure did show a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.

The loss of eminent personalities like Shankuntala Devi and Tarla Dalal and the terror attacks in Hyderabad and Gaya brought in some of the lows while the hanging of Afzal Guru and IAF’s purchase of its biggest aircraft added to the highs. 2013 saw all of this and a lot more.

Personally speaking, 2013 was the year of change for me. After months and months of self debate, I took the decision to do what I loved the most – Write. I took a break from the corporate world and returned to the life I had been missing all these years. The year gave me moments of peace and joy that will forever stay close to my heart.

Now when I look back, at my life and around, 2013 was a wonderful teacher. It taught me to appreciate the little things in life, value the people around me, do what I love and to look for those silver linings that are bound to be there in every low that we come across. 

As the New Year sets in, I raise my glass in celebration of what 2013 was and in anticipation of what 2014 has in store for me…. Amen.