Come Dec 31 and we are all set to step into a New Year – year 2009. There will be celebrations, booze parties and all other pomps that each one of us would love to indulge ourselves. The reason is simple – bidding the past a wonderful adieu as we gear up to embrace the New Year. But, does year 2008 leave us with enough scope for celebration? Year 2008, indeed, has been not a very delightful year in India. What with the dastardly terror attacks in two of the nation's major metropolis? In retrospect, the series of five blasts that ripped through the national capital on September 13. The ghastly terror strikes in Mumbai, which took place on November 26 added salt to an already wounded nation.
The “finesse” with which the terrorists, who apparently belong to our neighbours carried out this barbaric strike is indeed a big question mark on our administration. Then again there is the global recession that is showing its ugly face even in India – even as our ministers are trying their level best to project an optimistic image of the same. Leave alone the small scale business, even the big corporate houses could not remain unaffected from this phenomenon. The result - thousands amongst us losing jobs at the snap of a finger. Not to forget the drastic pay- cuts!
Can we really slip into a celebration mood with so many of our fellow citizens succumbing to blasts and some being stripped of their daily bread, thanks to recession? May be yes, may be no. And even if it is yes, we need to analyse as to what are the reasons that we can celebrate the by-gone year for. No doubt, the terror attacks have left a dent in our national conscience, but there was a positive sign too. I found it amazing how the common man has taken the centrestage to get his heard voice through various mediums.
I was reminded of the historic sights that filled my history books – of a mass holding processions against the tyrannical British regime. It really touched me when I saw people taking to streets, posting blogs, holding mass protests to take up the cause of the safety and security of the common man. Such was their impact that even a crucial anti-terror bill was unanimously passed in Parliament – which is otherwise a house of the hooligans.
The government will be faced with a tough task this New Year. First, to come out of the question marks that is posed on the security scenario of the country. It has to adopt stringent security means to ensure that every individual feels free to move in any part of the country and rather not sleep on the threats posed to the nation. Second, on ensuring that recession does not mar the new hopes that the common man hinges on. This will happen only when there are more economic opportunities.
But I also feel, you and I have a major role to play when it comes to better ourselves as citizens as well as individuals. So, this New Year, let's all make the resolution – raising hopes in the minds of the people of a tattered nation by being an active and responsible citizen.
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