One more calender year added to history. 2008 will be remembered as the year of aspirations in my book of history. While most may remember it for the Economic downturn that saw millions of dreams downsized, I am sure that in the future it will be remembered as a year of chaotic destruction only so that a New World order is established.
Yes, Ladies and gentleman ! This economic downturn is the opportunity of a lifetime for India to take centrestage and emerge as a global superpower. The Economic downturn has wounded the erstwhile superpowers US, UK and the EU badly. Their financial might has been scaled down considerably while India's diplomatic clout increased. Though our stock markets have halved this financial year but India's growth story remains intact. Please remember that 7% growth in times like this is also very very impressive.
The Mumbai attacks may have cost us several valuable people, some of whom were near and dear to us but this attack will also be a decisive turning point in our war against terror. Unlike other attacks, this attack has scared the S#*T out of the international powers. Citizen's anguish like never before ensured that our politicians and babus had to sit up and notice. Because a fidayeen has been caught alive Pakistan has been cornered. This for us can be the moment of truth. We have the opportunity to shut out terror. Its upto us to ensure that Pakistani establishment is made to pay.
India also emerged as a cricketing superpower in 2008. Impressive and decisive victories over Australia and the IPL meant that India's hold on world cricket was tighter than ever. With more and more youngsters in the team standing up and making their performances count, the future of Indian cricket has never looked better.
Thus 2009 has been setup nicely to be the year of CHANGE and I am not just taking of Barack Obama. Personally for each one of us this will be a year of major changes. 2008 for most of us has been a year of aspirations though these aspirations would have varied from person to person. A probable common aspiration was to be aboard the ISB bandwagon.
2009 will be a year of change, a year when we will face new challenges, new perspectives, new capabilities and new limitations. Some like Saurabh begin a new chapter in their lives with loved ones while some will continue their search for the "One". Some dreams are gonna get bigger !
Overall a year that I look forward to with hope, happiness and a sense of destiny.
