Hi All
Almost everyone who read my earlier blog H1 had asked me to write a similar one at the end of the year. Well 2008 has ended and now is the right time to look back and understand what it meant while it lasted and also chronicle the events, which I believe will be remembered and discussed for years to come.
The events of first half have been captured in my earlier blog H1. (All those who have forgotten can re- read it). I had asked a question " Do we realise what we are witnessing? and as I look at the events that have occurred in second half all I can say is that was just an interval in the movie 2008. Here I present my highlights for second half of 2008:
- Wall street became Fall street. Lehman Brothers fell and actually US govt did not save it. There is no thoroughbred Investment bank in the world today. Citi survived while AIG and others are on a life saver
- Being a government owned financial institution was no longer a taboo. Gordon Brown showed the world how state could save economy and how proudly everyone wants to serve at the pleasure of Her Majesty's Government. US and others copied the same
- Inflation fell to below 7% in India when no one expected it to fall after it had touched 12% in H1
- Petrol prices kissed USD 150 dollars and then fell to USD 34 before we changed the calendar from 2008 to 2009
- Abhinav Bindra finally won a gold for India in an individual event. Truly 1 in a billion!
- F1 had a champion decided in a last 5 seconds of the final race and with luck playing an important role.
- US finally has a black President in Barack Obama. What he did unthinkable is even before being sworn in, has included Hillary ( fierce contender) and Robert Gates (serving republican) in his cabinet in 2 of most important roles. Way to go !!!
- Kingfisher & Jet came together to redefine the Indian Air industry and who better than the aviation minister to play cupid
- Australia are no more the Kings of Cricket ... crown is up for grabs and surprisingly India is a leading contender to take it. (anyone remember the last world cup)
- K serials ended ( after 8 yrs) and Thank god for small mercy. Adding on Ekta kapoor made a serial which did not begin with a K. Need I say more.
- Sheila Dixit won Delhi for a record 3rd time. She cannot thank BJP enough for ensuring her win.
- Taj & Trident opened in record 21 days after the Mumbai attacks. No one can break the spirit.
- Terrorism is no longer an election agenda and Democracy is alive and kicking. Thanks to Jammu & Kashmir and other states.
and finally
- Indian soldier emerged as the Indian of the year for 2008. A Nation Salutes!
2008. Thank you. You will be remembered.
Welcome 2009. Lets see what you bring.
Wishing all my readers a 2009 full of joy , happiness and above all togetherness.
2 comments:
Very aptly put in the current frame of reference .. thanks amit
When people look back at the 21st century, say in 2105... 2008 might be the most significant year of the century...
I hope we remember the lessons 2008 offered
Enjoyed reading your blog! Keep posting and will follow.
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