The news of Sachin's innings of 200 being included in "TIME Top 100 Events of 2010" inspired me to create a similar list of my own. So here I go with my list of top ten events of 2010 that changed the way India thought.I have tried to keep a fair amount of balance between "the positive ones" and "the negative ones". Incidents from all spheres of life from politics to socio economy to sports to entertainment have been considered. Before the dusk of 31 Dec 2010 bids us adieu, before we engage in welcoming the dawn of 1 Jan 2011 and before everyone else scripts it and it sounds cliched, here is my take on top 10 things that changed us.
10. Raavan V/S (Tere) Bin Laden-These movies represented two different classes. One epitomized the big budgeted, star studded, aggressively marketed yet "plot-less" and "poorly directed" flicks while other exemplified a small budgeted yet light hearted genre. And between the battle of two "evils", it was Laden who got better of Raavan. It epitomized the maturing of Indian cinema and audience.
9. FIFA 2010: Gave us freedom, gave us fire. Gave us reason (to smile), took us higher. It was all Waka Waka from 11 June to 11 July in not only in India but in the entire world as XIX FIFA World Cup kicked off in South Africa. As old heroes tumbled and new ones were created, Spain marveled their way to win the title for the first time. But the biggest hero remained Paul, the Octopus.
8. Justice Delayed and Denied- With the list of ever-increasing pending cases proving to be a scourge on the nation, some high profiled verdicts were delivered. But the long agony of the litigants was further aggravated by courts by letting a free-go to "convicts" in Ruchika case, Aman Kachroo ragging case and Bhopal Gas Tragedy case. Though after a much hue and cry from media and people along with various organizations, courts were compelled to reopen all the cases. On the other hand, our Guest of Honour Mr. Ajmal Amir Kasab kept relishing the services of Govt. of India courtesy taxpayer's money.
7. Country in Mayhem: At one point of time, almost entire country from Kashmir to Naxalite heartland in Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, Orissa and Andhra to down south in Telangana was up in arms for some reason or the other,hence threatening the very foundations of Indian democracy. Though things seem to have quelled a bit but situation is still volatile for another uprising and a fair amount of caution is required.
6. The Spiraling Inflation- Be it sugar, pulses or oil, everything was up, up and high. Thank you so much Mr. Sharad Pawar, but its time to say you good-bye.
5. Nitish in Bihar-Though many wouldn't agree to this point, but in my opinion it was one of the biggest turning points in the history of not only Bihar but also of India. A state, ill famous for crime and underdevelopment, known to "caste" votes based on "caste" equations,for the first time in the history, rose above petty issues and gave a thumping 4/5th majority to its incumbent Chief Minister Mr. Nitish Kumar.It was the victory of development. It was the emergence of a new breed of voters and citizens to whom Bijli, Paani and Sadak were more important than knowing the caste of their assembly candidate.
4.CWG Games - They changed the way India was looked-as in international arena, both for the good and for the bad. At one hand were events like misappropriation of millions, collapsing bridges, seeping ceilings and incomplete stadiums. On the other hand were assiduous and prolific athletes who made sure, with their dedication, determination and devotion,India reach its highest ever medal tally at the games. The Games would remain in the minds of countrymen for a long time.
3. Ayodhya Verdict : Even after 19 years, it had the capability to make the country go stand-still for almost a week. Amid unprecedented security arrangements, the result of the special court came, dividing the controversial land equally between the three parties involved in the conflict. Though, all the parties involved treated the decision with great restraint and nothing undesirable incident was noticed in the entire country, yet recent bomb blast in Varanasi produces much apprehensions about the future.
2. Sachin's 200 : It had to be there in the top 3 events of 2010. We all saw history in making as the Master of the game pushed a Charl Langeveldt delivery through the off-side and ran a single, and the elusive record, which had evaded every batsman since the game was incepted in1971, came crashing down. The feeling was never the same before. The game would be never be the same again. Take a bow, Master. You have given a hope to an entire generation of Indians. Perhaps to two generations. Perhaps to all the coming generations of the country.
1. Corruption : Agree to it or not, it was the biggest news maker of the year. From IPL boardroom to Aadarsh's flats, from Queen's Baton to 2G spectrum. It was omnipresent, omnipotent and omnificent. Devouring zillions of rupees every year, it was and has always been one of the most venomous devil of our society. Like last times, committees have been made, reports have been submitted, actions "are being" taken. And amongst all these, the stupid common man awaits someday, from some part of the country, another big news of another scam would unearth itself.
The entries which just missed out making to top ten but nonetheless hold prominent place in an eventful year of 2010- The Great Indian IPL Mess, Visit of Barack Hussein Obama, Sensex touching 20K mark, The inception of Indian Rupee symbol.
PS- The list is purely based on my thinking and understanding of various events. Readers (if any) are free to agree or disagree with it.
