As 2011 comes to a close, it is time to reflect on a year that has been one of the most memorable ones in recent times. World population hit the 7 billion mark, even as the rupee hit a lifetime low against the dollar; winds of change blew across West Asia and the Arab world, while strong gusts of trouble rattled the Eurozone economy; protesters came out on the streets as governments of two of the world's largest democracies - India and the US - bore the brunt of citizens’ unrest, over corruption and economic instability, respectively.
It was a year of jubilant celebration as India lifted the cricket World Cup and of sad goodbyes as we bid farewell to some of India's greatest stars - Shammi Kapoor, Dev Anand, Jagjit Singh, 'Tiger' Pataudi and Bhupen Hazarika. It was also a year that celebrated the contribution of women to world peace, as the Nobel reserved its highest honour for three women. The year also forced us to ruminate on the destructive power of youth, as the UK saw one of the worst riots in its history - powered as they were by a malicious use of social networks inciting violence and vandalism.
It was also a year of hope and new beginnings, as thousands across the world came out on the streets in opposition to a bad idea or, like in India, in support of a good one. India saw the rise of an unlikely hero - Anna Hazare - and 'corruption' became more than just a dirty byword. Both the issue and Mr. Hazare caught the imagination of ordinary Indians like never before, forcing the government to constantly alter its responses to a national crisis of confidence.
