023 has been an year of hits and misses with former dominating the latter. India is fast emerging as a power house on multifarious fronts.
Diplomacy. With its proactive , nation first thrust in foreign policy, India ‘s stance on Russia – Ukraine war and Israel – Hamas imbroglio has been praise worthy. A successful G20 presidency has been a water shedmoment on international scene. Indo-US relations have matured into a lasting bond. Cordiality around home makes India a big caring brother , be it Nepal, Bangladesh , Bhutan or Myanmar. Relations , however with China and Pak remain thorny . India’s outreach with nations on matters of Indians in crisis abroad has been praise worthy. Qtar ha srescinded its earlier death verdict of indicted Naval Personell . French President as a chief guest at RD parade is a huge landmark.
Domestic front. India is fast emerging as a economic super power. It’s all inclusive domestic economy negates global economic swings .india’s space programme with success of Chandrayaan is an achievement which places India as the top nation in space research. Indian highways and railways are in a state of huge transformation ..Vande bharat trains are a game changer. New state of art Parliament building is a testament of time boung engineering and skill set of Indian engineers.
Sports. India has tasted unprecedented success with Olympics, Asian games and World cup cricket . Its bid to host 2036 olympics is a challenge well attempted. A miss with Wrestling federation crisis has no doubt been a downturn in sporting world.
Health. India’s tackling of global medical calamity in COVID and development of effective vaccine has been highly appreciated.
Defence.Atamnirbharta has ensured huge strides in domestic defenceinitiatives . Be it fighter jets, tanks, drone technology , ship building and so on , we as the third largest defence force in the world,India is a force to reckon with.
Entertainment industry is going great guns with numerous Bollywood movies raking millions world wide . Creative talent is emerging exponentially .
Chandigarh , our city beautiful remains as the most preferred township in the country. Much awaited Metro project will become a reality , thereby negating traffic woes. Chandigarh is fast emerging as the literary capital , with numerous literary events of all hues on the horizon. Prominent ones like Chandigarh literary fest, military literary fest ,Inkreadible and so on are a matter of pride for us. ‘Novel Bunch’ a conglomerate of intellectuals, literary and talented personalities of the tricity is the latest rage . In its one year of existence , the Novel Bunchians is the brightest emergence at the land scape.
GAZING AT 2024
New year comes with its hopes, idealistic expectations and resolutions.
Civic sense , cleanliness and a conscious society.
Combatting drug menace in society especially children and youth.
Improving law and order and hoping for a pro active enforcement of laws.
Management of stray dog menace.
Inculcate the habit of reading books and writing amongst children and youth.
Inculcate discipline in use of social media platforms and placing checks and balances at administrative levels.
My personal resolution
My personal resolution is to maintain fitness so as to play 18 holes of golf at least four days in a week, write as much as I can and read all books by Indian authors published during the year. I also desire to make people around me happy and cheerful and shun negativity of all kind . Since, my desires are practical and simple, I hope to achieve them .
The author is an Army veteran and accomplished writer/columnist.