Resonance

Andrew Louis

During the day the sun will shine,
But there is no light.
The clouds are never so dark,
But there is not any rain.

The winds are threatening.
The waters rise up to my neck.
They say the poles disappeared.
But there is no help.

There is the forest that isn’t green,
The animals those aren’t alive,
The fruit that isn’t sweet, and
The air that I can’t breathe

The weary earth will tremble.
Moon will fade to be seen no more.
Damage is done, the end has come.
Fingers pointed on man from heaven.

Does he deserve that extra time
That day will go down as a fiction,
Only if you rise today,
To save the world.

Gifty Varghese

Dear God,

This is my letter of pain. You created me beautifully and gave me a purpose to serve the mankind, but how it is all in vain? I did my job. Brought the rain, gave them good air to breath, I gave them good ambience to move around, but all I have got back is nothing.

This mankind – they pray for rain but they forget that they have destroyed the real source of rain. They yearn for shelter, but they won’t ever let me grow. They complain that the world is a desert, but they never understand that they are the main source of destruction.

Lord, all that I plead now is, not to make me grow but make the humans understand that when they destroy the environment we are not the victims. The real victims are they themselves. Make them understand the importance of a good environment. If they need to live, then they need to let me live.

Yours loving beautiful creation,
Tree

Thokchom Roshini Devi

With the rapid growth of this globalized world, we have seen and felt that the world is in our pocket; with a click of a button we can reach any corner of the world. Life seems so easy and perfect now when we look back at those times where radio and television were the only means of communication. Today men have overcome most of the difficulties faced by our society by filling up the gaps of communication through access of internet and various other means, but even though with all these achievements, we are still not satisfied, we still cannot stop blaming others for our faults.

It could be put in a way that we are too selfish, self centered we think about the benefit of our own never ever of the consequences of our deeds. We always take things for granted. Yes, I am talking about the current issues related to the environment which has left a grip of panic to the entire human race. By the word environmental issues automatically our mind pulls to the larger picture such as deforestation, depletion of ozone layers, acid rain etc. and most of us clearly know the causes still we ignore them as long as it neither harms nor effects us individually. I remember once, asking a man why he was cutting down trees and he gave a very simple reply saying as population is increasing rapidly he needs land for constructing his house. Lastly he says its not only he who is effecting the environment by cutting down trees the rest of the world also does. It is always the concept of we as an individual never admit our own mistake.

“We are all bound to mother Earth, each one of us is responsible for conserving and saving it, so when an individual cuts down a tree it somehow effects the environment partially even though it is just a single tree,” says Treena, a student. Small basic things in our daily life can also bring huge changes in the environment such as leaving our refrigerator open, using polythene bags, throwing of garbage in an inappropriate place and keeping our computer on when it is in no use. Though we think that all these are simple things, we must know that they might make a huge difference, but we still keep on committing the same old mistakes. Today the world is facing a lot of calamities and other environmental issues due to the negligence of these simple factors, but still we act as if we are not responsible for these problems, as if we never knew.

“In order to save and conserve the environment each individual should take responsibility, we can take initiatives within our own locality by creating an eco friendly zone such as planting saplings and so on” says William,a software engineer. Conserving the environment need not be performed in a higher platform. It can be done in a small scale basis. We individuals need to take a chance. We can try bringing a change to our environment if we realize that it is our responsibility and our dedication will save and conserve nature. We must try to accept our mistakes and rectify them rather than just sit around and put the blame on others.

Philip Ravi

The past two decades has seen the most effective and rapid growth that mankind has ever made. From sky scrapers to screaming automobiles, the internet and a cellular world, we have made advances that have taken the globe by storm.

Sadly, when we look back, we have cornered ourselves to a point of no return by carelessly wasting away a bulk of our natural resources. Fast vanishing forests and dry grasslands are a bleeding testimony as to how much we have encroached upon our forests. Global warming and natural disasters is a constant reminder that we share this planet with millions of other species but we continue to turn a deaf ear to these threats.

The world we once lived in had balance, colour, and serenity. But today we tread a different path. It is either blazing heat or biting cold in most parts of the Earth. Floods, wars, fires, and buildings that seem to grow taller are the order of the day.

Development is essential and is welcome but not at the cost of suffocating ourselves. At the rate at which we are going, twenty years from now we wont have any of the natural resources we so thoughtlessly exploit everyday.

The world has been crying foul for a while now and no one knows when this place we call home will finally give in! We need to act with care and begin to rethink the way we think and act towards planet Earth. It is our home and hence our duty to keep it the life sustainer it has been through the ages!

Debashri Banerjee

As I enter into the woods,
I feel fresh and full.
I want to walk as much I could,
Suddenly, I realize, the world is so rude.

The woods which I entered
Was a concrete jungle.
Infected by urban fungal,
Showing filthy colors.

Why alone on earth humans suffer,
It’s stigma to the social animal.
Let’s vow and let’s sow,
Let’s go on and let’s go green!

Harini Raj

Sometimes I am saturated with commercials, adverts, magazines, newsletters or blogs being dedicated to “Going Green”. Why are we so fixated with “Going Green”? Is it because we are promised it is “easy” to do so? What more could we ever want out of life than the “easy” way out? Nothing rewards my ego like the quick and easy. We live in the culture of easy where speed is the ultimate means to an end … and end which may come sooner than we all think or perhaps has already come?

by Kiran Tom Sajan

2009 seems to be a golden year for the Indian movies and movies about India. International movie buffs' hot topic of this year is India and India's lifestyle, thanks to the Academy Award Winning 'Slumdog Millionaire'. It seems that we Indians are content about the fact that Hollywood is discussing about India. Only a few are really concerned about 'how' they discuss about our nation. Slumdog Millionaire, which portrays the dark side of the life in India, though can never be criticized for telling the 'truth'. Some people feel India's ugly underbelly has been magnified by filming the movie in the slums of Mumbai. Director Danny Boyle however, who sees his film as a Dickensian tale, says he shot in real, gritty locations “to show the beauty and ugliness and sheer unpredictability” of the city. As many would agree, it is a fact that the West always wants to see us in the way it is portrayed in Slumdog Millionaire.
Anyway, the point of discussion here is not 'how we make fools of ourselves', but how far Slumdog Millionaire is a remake of the Brazilian movie Cidade de Deus (aka City of God) in the Indian background. All those who have seen City of God must have felt a connection between both movies. Both tell the story of two brothers, the elder a gangster and the younger, an ambitious, good hearted young guy with a desire for love. While in City of God the protagonist fails to regain his lost love, Slumdog Millionaire offers the hero his love in typical Bollywood style.
City of God is a Brazilian thriller directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund, released in 2003. It was adapted by Bráulio Mantovani from the 1997 novel of the same name written by Paulo Lins. The film's depiction of criminal drug mafias, gangsters, street violence and police corruption was certainly not what the upper middle class Brazilians wanted to show to the rest of the world. However, the movie gained wide acceptance from the international audiences and interestingly, City of God became one of the biggest hits in the history of foreign films released in US.
Majority of the cast in City of God were residents of slums in Rio de Janeiro. The same formula was used in Slumdog Millionaire too, in which its co-director Loveleen Tandan drove to the slums of East Bandra to look for young children who resembled the protagonists in the story. Also, both the movies have added a yellow tinge to the visuals to give'slumness' to the story. There were many shots in Slumdog which resembled those in City of God. The Brazilian flick starts in the present and then rewinds the story starting from kids playing football. Slumdog also starts in the present and the flash-back starts from kids playing cricket.
But, the significant similarity between both the movies is the way people accepted it. Despite being good movies, both received immense criticism from the local spectators, while the international audiences accepted it whole-heartedly. The psychology associated with the acceptance of the movies can be termed as Schadenfreude a German word meaning, finding delight in others' struggles and misfortunes.

by Rushitha S.L.

The only thing that is constant is change. We are witnessing change in all aspects of life. So, when we talk about fashion, it's changing rapidly. Fashion is just about everything right from the way the person carries him/herself, the clothes he wears to the tattoos, body piercing and the color of the lipstick. Today people are a lot more conscious about the way they present themselves to the world. Gone are the days when people just didn't bother about the way they looked or what they wore.
The youngsters are those who are updated with the latest fashion trends, and they make sure they are going along with the changing trends. “Bellbottom pants are out, Skinny jeans are in”, declares Sneha John, a young graphic designer. It's just not her; a lot of other young girls carefully follow the fashion trends. “I am young and I have all the time on earth to experiment on my looks, so why not make full use of it” adds Sneha. Tunic tops, dresses, leggings, kurtis, 'Anarkali' salwars, they are the entire 'in thing' in fashion these days and one can not vouch that they will stay in vogue for a longer period.
They say History repeats itself, so does fashion. It's evident enough to say that fashion revolves around us. “What was in during the 70's are in right now”, says Madhuvanthi, fashion designing student. Everyone is inspired by the 'Retro' fashion. Retro fashion is a clothing style which consists of wearing clothes commonly used in the past. This way of clothing often includes garments and accessories that are characteristic of those times. “Vintage sun glasses, funky printed shirts, bell bottom pants, skinny jeans and big bags were in vogue back in 70's and now it's back and ruling the current fashion scene”, adds Madhu.
We always relate fashion to women. What about the men? Yes, there was a time when men were considered unfashionable. But now times have changed, so are men. Today's fashionable man is called as a 'Metro sexual'. A metro sexual is one who stays in an urban city, with a fat wallet and loves to spend time and money on his looks, clothes and other leisure activities like aerobics, clubbing and shopping. That's not all; there are a lot of unisex salons opening up for the fashion conscious men who love to get pampered by getting facials, pedicures, manicures and hair streaks and straightening. RJ Yoyo says, “I have long hair and I keep changing my hair color every now and then. That's not all, I love spending on clothes and accessories. I always pick up funky shirts and bracelets and pendants.” So, it's high time we know that men are fashionable too.
Fashion is definitely not restricted to just clothing and hair styling. Things have changed; tattooing and body piercing are no more considered as taboo. The younger lot is willing to experiment and want to stand out in the crowd and be different. So tattoos and body piercing are obviously eye catchers. In spite of the pain that goes through the process of getting them done, there is nothing that stops people from getting it done. Natasha, works in an ad agency says, “I have a big dragon on my shoulder and was designed by me. My tattoo shows the person I am.” She also believes that being a part of the mad ad world, people do not get paranoid looking at her tattoo. “I am all ready to get my chin pierced now” quips Natasha.
Well, the fashion is surely taking us on a fun ride. There would probably be a day, when men would sport skirts like how they are wearing funky hair bands right now. So, the fashion scenario is changing day by day and people are accepting it open heartedly, so be it and let the people around awe at you.

Alone I run…
Through the darkest woods,
With fire on my head,
And, pain in my heart.

Alone, I run…
Through the thorny marshes,
Tears rolling down my cheeks,
And, blending with my sweat.

Alone, I run…
Through the lap of savage sun,
With parched throat
And, paining limbs.

Alone, I run…
Through the herd of beasts of darkness,
Holding up my head unwavering,
To show them-I'm younger, stronger and faster.

No one ahead, no one behind;
No water stops, no stone hinges;
Just blood-thirsty beasts all around,
Rounding for pouncing on me.

I can't retire, I can't relax;
Hunted I'm, if I retreat;
Sissy I'm, if I lose courage;
Dead I'm, if I yield.

Alone, I run…fearlessly,
Through the darkest woods,
With vibrant dreams in my head,
And, dynamic hope in my heart.

by Debashri Banerjee

Fashion and aesthetics has always symbolized youth. It has dominated society for ages and ages and still manages to be at the pinnacle. At this point, I recall a friend who was diagnosed with high power in eyes. Even one foot of vision was blurry; she went to the optical shop asking, “Please, get me the latest models of spectacles which have come into the market.”
Had I known such heights of fashion to this length, I would have been one in the queue (no doubt, i am in).Though, no hierarchy is ever seen in terms of fashion among people. Still, one cannot go completely with the thought as today many people follow fashion which they cannot afford. I know many people who spend more than half of their MNC salary on grooming and styling. The process of grooming, over the years has become an inevitable part of one's life. People at forties are easily seen visiting parlours and consulting stylists. Inspirations can be taken from Shobhaa De who can easily give inferiority complex to twenty year olds. And not to forget the legend, Amitabh Bacchan, who has set benchmarks for the generations coming. Over the years, a revolution circles around attiring, accessorizing, hair styling and many more. This styling mania has encouraged old people especially to be more concerned for their grooming. But on the flipside, it has negative aspects too, such as size zero, stressfulness, gadget madness and thus, the list never ends. This thought of grooming has brought in a high standard of living, but on the other hand has made people become more and more dependent.
On that note, I am reminded of a common joke on heights of fashion when a baby goes to a 'Huggies' outlet and demands low hip nappy. Such heights can be seen among adults as well. Come to Delhi, you shake your hands with shivering ones of daring baring women. Sleeveless blouses, translucent sarees, hide and seek, make up and Madhuri Dikshit hair (i mean wavvy) is common trend at five degree Celsius. It seems hypocrisy is defeating self realization and grooming. Being presentable is the objective but not killing the purity inside. Grooming irrespective of natural looks is not bad but crossing margins is a threat calling. This grooming VS hypocrisy fight is victimizing the finest creation of god and that the creation is human being. Not to mention, the human himself is the referee.

by Nihal Shaikh

When TV emerged in the 1950s, the death knell was tolling.
When VHS ascended in the '70s, Gabriel was calling.
When DVDs triumphed in the '90s, theaters were knocking on heaven's door. But death to movie theatres? Not yet.
From the very first cinematographic exhibition of the Lumiere Brothers held at Bombay on July 7, 1896 to the multitude of movies from various parts of the world playing side by side at a multiplex in our city today, watching movies in theatres is a fad meant to stay. The emergence of multiplexes and specialised theatre services and the transition of movie theatres from mere locations intended for film screening to youth lifestyle hangouts is a testimonial to this statement. Things have moved to such an extent that today a multiplex is a parameter which defines a place as a 'city'.
International piracy (bootlegs popping up on the black market), advancements in home entertainment systems (56-inch high-definition TV, DVRs), and improvements in broadband and the Internet (cable on demand, streaming video) have conspired to undermine the value of going to the movies.
But movies aren't going anywhere. The same technological advancements that have come to threaten theatre venues are the very advancements that make them more relevant and profitable. Along with mainstream movies, theatres everywhere are trying to make themselves unique by playing out events like concerts (Margazhi Raagam) as well as films made for niche-market demographics, such as chick flicks, parallel cinemas, animation movies, international films and the like. They also host film festivals which augment their appeal. Movie theatres are taking steps to use high-tech along with fashionable amenities and plain old-fashioned aggressive business tactics to woo audiences now.
Marshall Mc Luhan calls the cinema in theatres a “hot' medium. The audience really has no way out but to absorb the communication message in such a setting. The dimmed lights, bombarding sound effects, larger than life screen and compelling virtual loneliness single out the audience and compel them to imbibe what is being shown.
"If mediocre entertainment is all there is, people are going to stay home. But give them a cool experience, they can't get that from their wide-screen plasma TVs.” says Terrell Braly, president of Cinebarre, one of the pioneers of multiplex culture.
Prepaid movie booking cards, chic interiors, trendy seating and lighting make the movie going experience a lifestyle affair. The Sathyam Cinemas in Chennai is a favourite hangout location for many Chennaites. The ambience there is something which appeals to every movie buff. There is also something for everyone. 'Magic Hat' which is a play pen for (cranky) children, 'Blur' the gaming destination for 'older' children, a bowling alley, several eateries and lounges. Brand marketers have also recognised the fertility of such locations and myriad events promoting an assortment of brands can be seen every week there.
Watching movies operates on a level of culture as well. It is an act of socialisation wherein friends hangout together and have fun, an act of romance, as many couples prefer to go for a movie on a date and also a weekend activity for families to spend time together enjoying a film. Whatever be the motivation, watching movies in theatres is definitely a treat, be it the neighbourhood ramshackled screen or the high funda multiplex and it looks like it is going to be that way for a long time to come.

by Bharadwaj M.V

The wait is finally over. Slumdog millionaire has bagged not one or two, but eight Oscars. And it's a very special moment for India, as three of the awardees are Indians. The Mozart of madras, (A.R.Rahman as he is fondly called) bagged two awards, out of which one was shared with Gulzar, the lyricist for the song “Jai Ho”. These people have really made India proud and what's more heartening is their humble attitude. “Ella pughazhum iraivanukke” (all praise to the Lord); I'm a holding a piece of history in my hand and I'm so glad to have made my country proud; these were the statements by Rahman and Resul Pookutty.
Looking down the memory lane, it has been quite a long journey for Indian film music. Earlier, the songs were purely classical based, with the likes of G Ramanathan, M.K. Thyagaraja Bagavathar, etc. One can still not forget the song sequence in the film “Thiruvilaiadal”, in which actor Sivaji Ganesan plays the role of Lord Shiva. On comparison of such songs to the ones released recently, one cannot just simply miss to note the huge transformation undergone by the Indian film music. It all started with the Indian music directors adopting western techniques. Popular music directors like M.S.Vishwanathan and Ilayaraaja brought western influences to their compositions. The tune was very much classical based, but the orchestrations were done using western equipments. Obviously, their music appealed to a wide range of audience, namely the classical audience for the employment of Raagas, the urbanites for the western sounds, and the rural audience for the presence of folk elements. This was the scenario till 90s.
With the release of “Roja”, the Tamil film industry saw the entry of A.R. Rahman, who was till then working as key board player for Ilayaraaja. Born to a musician father, Rahman had to undergo several rough patches in his life before he finally got the much deserved acclaim and popularity. Rahman used technology to his aid, which has given rise to the production of completely different type of music.
But on the flip side, many feel that there are various other marvelous compositions that deserved an Oscar. Even Rahman accepted that Slumdog is definitely not his masterpiece. Considering the various opinions published in the newspapers, Rahman should have been awarded an Oscar for his maiden venture, the Tamil film titled “Roja”, which was an instant hit. One enthusiastic fan of Rahman said, “I don't think he can perfect himself than his work in Roja. “ Nevertheless, getting nominated for Oscars is in itself is a big achievement and winning two awards in one stroke is something which no Indian would have even dreamt of in his wildest dreams. So let us just join in the celebrations and wish that the award brings in a sea change in the attitude of our producers, who, of late, have been passing off top rated crass as entertainment. Let us hope that art gets its due recognition.

by Justin Raj K.

Just imagine you are talking very seriously to someone and unfortunately, realise that the person whom you are talking to was not even listening to you properly. How would you feel then? You may feel annoyed, dejected or sometimes angry, isn't it? Stop. Don't take it to the heart. You have just spoken to one among a million of 'pluggers' all around the world!
Arrival of portable music systems and mobile phones with inbuilt music players have given birth to a rapidly spreading 'plug-in' culture. 'Pluggers' always listen to music on the go. While commuting, jogging, biking, driving or even during office hours, their ears are sealed off by earphones taking them away from the real outer world. Music players have taken an unavoidable part in their lifestyle.
Akin to all other lifestyles, 'plug-in' culture too is individualistic. Some 'plug-in' for sheer love for music, some to kill time and others for brushing off boredom. “Music is a requisite for me while studying or reading” says Avinash Kagava, a media student. “It increases my concentration and feels as if my productivity soars”, he adds. Robin, a student and an enthusiastic guitarist 'plugs-in' for his first love-music. He says that: “I love music and want to fill every moment of my life with music. That is why I keep my iPod with me throughout the day”.
Musical giants such as Sony, Apple et al are competing to bring out more advanced yet user friendly music players to catch up with this 'plug-in' trend. Apple has sold more than 20 million iPods till date. More and more people are joining this 'plug-in' bandwagon day by day. It seems as if people are just happy with the music they have in their music player, rather than interacting with fellow human beings. It provides a room for escapism similar to that of reading. While reading is productive, listening to music may end up unproductive at times.
Warning note for 'Pluggers': Researches show that regular exposure to noise above 85 dB (decibels) will cause a gradual hearing loss in a significant number of individuals and louder noises will accelerate this damage. When listening to music on earphones at a standard volume level 5, the sound generated reaches a level of 100 dB. It's loud enough to cause permanent damage after just 15 minutes per day! The amount of time you listen to a sound affects how much damage it will cause. The quieter the sound, the longer you can listen to it safely.

After more than 60 hours of battle with the terrorists, the men armored with courage saved many lives of hostages, defended our nation and restored pride in our nation’s armed forces. The National Security Guards (NSG) were hailed as heroes of the country. People congratulated NSG men for their valiant service during the hours of crisis.
26/11 attack brought to light the lapses in the internal security of the country and the need for proactive measures to thwart terrorist activities. The attack necessitated to increase the swiftness in the response mechanism to terrorist threats and attacks. One of the measures is to initially set up NSG hubs in four cities; Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Chennai.
The National Security Guards has evolved to be one of the eminent counter terrorist units in Asia and was formed by the Cabinet Secretariat under the National Security Guard Act of the Parliament in 1986. Overseen by the Ministry of Home Affairs and headed by the Director General of Indian Police Service, NSG is confined to the Indian Armed Forces structure.
Headquartered at Mehramnagar, Palam, the NSG training centre and the National Data Centre which holds international conferences are based at Manesar in Haryana. Comprising of two groups in NSG; Special Action Group (SAG) that operates on anti–terrorists and anti–hijack situations with the support of Special Ranger Group (SRG), which provides high security to VVIPs of India.
NSG draws its members for SAG from the Indian Armed Forces and the members for SRG from other paramilitary forces like Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Rapid Action Force and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
It was in 1985, the NSG commandos began their first operations to combat the insurgency movement in Punjab. Their functions include handling hijack situations, bomb disposal, neutralization of terrorist threats, engaging and neutralizing terrorists in specific situations and rescuing hostages. The NSG commandos are primarily involved to counter terrorist activities and continue its operations in Jammu & Kashmir.
The aspirants to join NSG, go through an extensive, vigourous training, in order to be inducted into NSG. The recruits who complete the basic course for 90 days are taken for specialised training. There are more than 7000 NSG commandos.
In the wake of Mumbai terror attacks, the law on the National Investigative Agency Bill and Unlawful Activities Prevention Amendment Bill was passed. As a central agency, the National Investigative Agency (NIA) was set up, to investigate terror related cases that spanned across the country.
NSG defends the nation when faced with terrorization, strives to safeguard our territory from the terrorists outfits, with an endless grit and determination. Salute to our real life heroes!

Angelene Monica V.

Though crippled by communal riots, economic recession and wounded by Mumbai terror attack, Incredible India shone throughout the year 2008. Last year we also witnessed prideful events which makes our heads high and also gifted us with some amazing personalities whom we as young Indians can emulate.
The great Indian success stories of 2008 were ushered in on January 10th by Tata Group Chairman Ratan Tata as he unveiled ‘Nano’, the world’s cheapest car. In March, his company also acquired Britain’s most famous names in automobile manufacturing, Jaguar and Land Rover. Taking charge as Commonwealth Secretary General, Kamalesh Sharma added a golden feather to India’s cap.
Media
France conferred the Order of Arts et Lettres on Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan. The Malaysian State of Malacca presented ‘Datuk’ title to him, making him the first foreign actor to get the honour. Soumitra Chatterjee and Priyamani bagged Best Actor and Actress award respectively at the 54th National Film Awards. Malayalam film Pulijanmam was adjudged Best Feature Film and Lage Raho Munnabhai the best popular film. Bollywood filmmaker Yash Chopra was conferred the Officer of The Legion of Honour by the French Government. Veteran Bengali film director Tapan Sinha was selected for the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award. Ranbir kapoor, Deepika Padukone bagged the best male and female debut of the year award at IIFA awards in Bangkok.
Arts and Literature
Eminent Hindustani vocalist, Pandit Bhimsen Joshi and Kashmiri poet Abdul Rahman Rahi were presented with Bharat Ratna and Jnanpith Awards respectively. Historian Romila Thapar was chosen for the 2008 Kluge Prize for Lifetime Achievement in the Study of Humanity. India-born British author Salman Rushdie was knighted for his services to literature and also won Best of Booker prize for his path breaking novel Midnight’s Children. Arvind Adiga, the Chennai-born author won the Man Booker Prize for his debut novel The White Tiger. Indian doctor couple Prakash Amte and Mandakini Amte was conferred 2008 Magsaysay award. Tamilnadu couple Krishanmmal Jagannathan and Sankaralingam Jagannathan share the Right Livelihood Award or ‘alternative Nobel’.
Sports
Indian shooter, Abhinav Bindra bagged for independent India its first individual Olympic gold. Boxer Vijender Singh and wrestler Sushil Kumar also won bronze medals each in Olympic Games. Vishwanathan Anand won both the world rapid chess championship in Mainz and world chess championship at Bonn. Sachin Tendulkar went past Brian Lara’s mark—11953 runs—to become the highest run getter in Tests. 2008 was a good year for Indian badminton players such as Saina Nehwal who brought home world junior badminton title. Other eminent players like Chetan Anand and Anand Pawar also proved their prowess in the international arena. Indian golfers, Arjun Atwal and Jeev Milkha Singh made India proud by winning various vital international events. Team India, both Women’s cricket and Junior Hockey became Asian Champions.
Technology and Defence
In an historic event, Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-C10 (PSLV) puts Israeli satellite Tecsar into orbit. An indigenously developed pilotless target aircraft ‘Lakshya’ was successfully flight-tested. India joined a select club in underwater missile capability by successfully test firing Sagarika, a tactical, submarine-to-surface missile. The PSLV-C9 again created history by putting 10 satellites in orbit in a precisely timed sequence. India successfully test fired Agni 3 ballistic missile, capable of striking targets 3,500 km away. On October 22nd, India’s first space craft to the Moon, Chandrayaan 1 liftoff from Sriharikota. Indian Navy too joined the bandwagon by becoming the first Indian team to ski to the North Pole.
Good-will Gestures
Our first Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation Research was inaugurated at Anna University, Chennai. The Union Cabinet gave nod for foreign news magazines to come out with Indian editions. Resuming the service after 43 years, ‘Maitree Express’ to Dhaka, Bangladesh was flagged off from the Kolkata station. Trailing Germany and France, India too imposed a nationwide ban on smoking in public places on October 2nd. The much awaited cross-LoC trade, the first since 1947 began with the flagging off of 13 trucks carrying goods on the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road.
Let’s hope and wish India will achieve much more in the current year. May the success stories quoted above inspire us to attain our personal goals in coming years and as the father our nation, Mahatmaji said, you must be the change you wish to see in the world. All the best for all!

Justin Raj K.