So as we say goodbye to the year 2009 and await for the dawn of 2010, I wish to look back at a few events in this year (like everyone else) that were really meant something for me. This year was really different from any other year in my life, maybe because, in this year I have learnt a lot in life.
The starting of the year was not all that interesting, same life, home - office - home, was the same old routine that I followed. In a way the first half of the year was where I was living the same old life that I used to, but maybe the second half of the year, gave me something to cherish - I was going places, doing and learning things I wanted to. And yes, nothing did come as easy as well. But probably this year, specially the second half was something to cherish for me. Well, things wern't the same, later on at the end, was enjoying life a bit.
Well, that's much about me, short and sweet. Nothing so special, nothing so extraordinary that happened, just ordinary stuff in this ordinary life of mine.
Now about the events that happened around the world I'd like to speak about here:
Well to start with, we'd go date wise here:
On the 20th of January, the USA saw a change, Barack Obama was inaugurated as the 44th, and first African American, President of the States. A change for sure, a lot is expected of him, can he stand up to the test, who knows only time will tell.
On the 3rd of March, Gunmen attack a bus carrying Sri Lankan cricketers in Lahore, Pakistan, killing eight people and injuring several others, the players however were thankfully safe. This also raised a lot of questions about the security in Pakistan, where the situation was completely out of hand.
On the 11th of June, there was an outbreak of the H1N1 influenza strain, or “swine flu", that caused concerns and panic all across the world.
On the 25th of June, the world in a state of shock, a shock which was really unthinkable of, pop superstar, the King of Pop, Michael Joseph Jackson was no more, and so were gone all the hopes of one of the greatest comebacks in ages.
On the 7th of July, A public memorial service is held for musician Michael Jackson. It is regarded as one of the most prominent funerals of all time. The world paid it's last respect to the King of Pop, crying in disbelief that he now was no more. A memorial held at the "Staples Center" saw his entire family on stage, including his three children, Prince Michael Jackson (12), Paris Katherine Jackson (11) and Prince Michael Jackson II - also known as Blanket (7), who were there for the first time on stage, and they sang to his tunes in memory
On the 22nd of July, The longest total Solar Eclipse of the 21st century, lasting up to 6 minutes and 38.8 seconds, occurs over parts of Asia and the Pacific Ocean.
On the 2nd Of October, The International Olympic Committee chooses Rio de Janeiro to hold the 2016 Summer Olympics.
And today it the Lunar Eclipse, cool way to end the year I say. So these were a few major events, adding to these were another events that made headlines across the world.
And who'd forget - Best Cinematography, Best Director, Best Film Editing, Best Sound Mixing, Best Picture, Best Music, Best Writing - Adapted Screenplay, Best Musical Score - all at one memorable time, as Brit director Danny Boyle's Mumbai-based 'Slumdog Millionaire' swept almost every popular movie award show including the Oscars. And making India more proud was A.R. Rehman, the man who won two Oscars - and so the world went Jai Ho...all the way.
Roger Federer winning the French Open and the Wimbledon to become the Number 1 player in Tennis again. The Pakistan Cricket team won the 2009 ICC World Twenty20, after India's sad fallout. The Indian Cricket Team becoming Number 1 Test Team for the first time in History of Cricket, and plus doing very well in ODIs as well.
Well, the Indian Cricket Team is doing fine, but what about the Country, yes we need to change as Indians. Can we dare to change, in the face of booming economy, there is light shining, totally new different things to be conquered. Just hoping India blooms in Twenty 10, not only from the outside but also from the inside.
Well, so in the end I'd like to wish everybody a very Prosperous New Year, may the New Year be wonderful to you all.
