The year 2016, now on its last legs, was momentous for the country. The developments that have unfolded over the past months could well redefine the coming year
In three days we shall slip into another year, and with a bundle of sweet and bitter memories. Undoubtedly, 2016 has been one of the most tumultuous, extremely memorable and intensely significant for the future of India. The year was dotted with historic economic reforms, super performances in sports, upheavals in the corporate sector, fine assertion of India's intolerance to terrorism, deepening degeneration of political discourse, iconic institutional reforms, and a string of other incidents, many of which shall leave lasting memories.
The celebrations of the new year in 2016 had barely waned when heavily armed suspected Pakistani terrorists attacked Pathankot's frontline Air Force Station on January 2, triggering shock across the country. A month later, three militants seized the Entrepreneurship Development Institute in Kashmir's Pulwama and were eliminated after a fierce 48-hour gun battle. Eight months later, on September 18, heavily armed militants attacked the Indian Army brigade headquarters in Uri, near the line of Control, killing over 17 soldiers and leaving many injured. The series of dastardly attacks were dealt with a very firm response when the Indian Army, on September 29, conducted a surgical strike, destroying many terror launch pads and giving a stern warning to Pakistan to mend its ways. India termed the strikes as pre-emptive self-defence. This was a historic and defining shift in India's strategic defence and one which shall be remembered forever.
There was another momentous strike, and one which shall re-define the way we think, feel and transact business, and live. Ever since he made the historic demonetisation policy announcement — or cessation of old currency of Rs500 and Rs1,000 denomination — on November 8, we have seen an unprecedented criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, especially by political parties. The reasons for the opposition to the policy have ranged from bizarre to slippery, and even funny. However, this policy coupled with a new push to digital economy, promises to usher in a new era of transparency and efficiency. While the divide between those who support the move and ones who don't is vast, even the sceptics quietly relent that this has been a massive and boldest surgical strike ever against corruption, black money, tax evaders and terrorist groups. The policy and subsequent cash crunch has most certainly affected many, but isn't it worth itIJ
For a nation which takes pride in its resilience and resolve, this momentary pain due to an iconic reform should be acceptable. After independence, this is the first time that a policy decision has impacted all alike. Today, every Indian citizen is impacted by it, and speaking about it. Majority of Indians today are critically aware that along with Goods and Services Tax and a new push to digital economy, demonetisation shall make India more vibrant, transparent and economically prosperous. The seeds for this have been sown in 2016, and what a landmark year this shall be in the annals of Indian history.
India's prosperity also continued to soar in space science with Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) making a milestone achievement. In its 36th flight (PSlV-C34), Isro's Polar Satellite launch Vehicle successfully launched the 727.5 kg Cartosat-2 Series Satellite along with 19 co-passenger satellites in a single flight from Sriharikota. India's glory also gained momentum with the Virat Kohli- led team remaining unbeaten in 2016 and in its last match of the year went where no past Indian cricket had gone — to an 18th consecutive match without defeat. There were many happy stories that came from Rio Olympics stadiums as well. The medals of PV Sindhu and Sakshi Malik and sterling performance by Dipa Karmakar turned the whole nation ecstatic. The gold by Mariyappan Thangavelu and Devendra Jhajharia in the Rio Paralympic was like an icing on the cake, and made the year more memorable with beaming players wrapped in Indian flags waving Indian pride in its most pristine form.
The death of the very popular J Jayalalithaa, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, was perhaps the saddest moment of the year. The images of wailing men and women will linger on for a very long time.
(The writer is strategic communications professional)