-Jaideep Karnik (Editor, Webdunia)
As and when the year turns to the new, it compels us to stay for a reason. Though in the ever changing flow of the time, years are nothing but a small dot, but it begins with a change.....that is a constant and continuous process. Before this calendar hanging on the wall gets changed, facts and figures changed, this is the time we look back and prepare ourselves for future dreams. Nothing harmful in it as we connect ourselves with the time so closely that this occasion for change makes us think in terms of our lives, thrills and other measuring rods.
On the world-stage, the limelight was grabbed by the US Prez Donald Trump amidst violent opposition and fierce support. For a large section of the US population, crowning of Trump in the white house was inconvenient idea and grave setback. For they felt that a real estate billionaire will lead the US to backward, illiberal narrow-mindedness, and the closure of welfare policies of the Obama-era.
But Prez trump is a reality which is hard to ignore. All the more important thing is that his tenure in the white house will affect the whole of the world for better or worse. There could be no denying that his decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital city of the jew state or decision to end internet independence may have far reaching repercussions. And such changes would be watched avidly during 2018 too.
In the east, strong man of china, Xi Jinping has surpassed chairman Mao and bracing for leading china in a unipolar world. His second tenure as the most powerful person in china would affect India too as it has forced India to have a cozy relationship with the US. As we know well that Chinese proximity with Pakistan is a greater cause of concern. Besides these, the world has witnessed the Rohingya issue,Emergence of Bitcoin, Panama papers and economic upheaval in Europe. With all this, an Indian immigrant's son, Leo varadkar,became youngest ever PM of Ireland.
In India and on November 8th, 2016, PM modi announced a ban on higher denomination notes, an action which jolted the whole country. By then, it was hoped that things would settle down for the better, but it is yet to be ascertained. The long and serpentine queue before banks and ATM's have long ceased to be but the scar still remains there for debate, discussion and estimation of the move. After half a year came another bombshell called GST which took its toll. However, it was enforced by 1st July, 2017 but asking for a number of revisions.
Likewise, on 1st May, red beacon a top at VIP vehicles were banned and on 22 August, 2017 the Supreme Court chastised the government to make a law banning instant Triple Talaq. Nearly at the end of the year, Govt tabled the bill in the Lok Sabha. Once if it becomes a law, a large section of the Muslim women would be feeling liberated from the clutches of male-dominated society. Thus we have passed the year with pangs of despair to joy of achievements. On the one hand
While we went ecstatic with the success of the cryogenic upper stage engine- GSLV mark 3, on the other hand, we were tormented with the Fate of Asha Sahney in Mumbai.
Today, we are pinning our hopes with the beginning of 2018, we hope that the ensuing year would get rid of the constant growing feeling of Fanaticism, enmity and revenge. Hope that dreams of social harmony will come true and when we complete 2018 and look back upon it, we would meet radiant rainbows of memories. And there would be no trace of gloom and despair.
It will not be done with a magic wand, but if there could be any magic wand, it would be collective efforts on our part. And if we try in unison, all our efforts and labour would peep through the big lamp called 'year 2018'. The message of the hour is to try with the hope in the heart.
Wish you all happy 2018.
