Indian Politics in 2011 - A trip down the rugged lane

The year 2011 has been a one to forget as soon as possible as far as Politicians are concerned. The year has really been a roller-coaster ride for India in almost all aspects. I would like to take a trip down the memory lane on various which happened over the year.

One of the most influential years since independence, this year will be remembered for one person who climbed above all to rule to news and the news-makers. Also one cannot forget the numerous changes in central government as well as most importantly in south india. Corruption in unprecedented levels and the powerful impacts it has on the fall of various persons was the key highlight of this year. The most important issue which played havoc in many big weights career will of course be the 2G Scam, which shook the entire nation. Subramaniam Swamy, a name know only in political circles, became a famous person overnight with his blows hitting the bull's eye with precision.

It all started with Andhimuthu Raja being the main benefactor of the huge scam. It brought down along with him the core of DMK's union ministers like Kanimozhi, Dayanidhi Maran and now reaching the shores of Congress's Chidambaram. Most of the big names in the telecom industry were included and were sent on a trip to Tihar jail along with Kanimozhi and Raja. The hammer was delivered in a grand manner with DMK's rout in the assembly elections. So powerful was the blow that the party is not not even the primary opposition in the state.

The Commonwealth games during late 2010 was again a key starting point for the downhill of Suresh Kalmadi. The media on an overdrive led to international disgrace and Kalmadi is still langushing in Tihar. Adarsh land scams, vote for cash scam, mining scam and various others led to fall of huge elephants who seemed invincible. The list includes the Bellary brothers, Yeddyurappa, Jagan Mohan reddy among others.

The drubbing of DMK in tamilnadu by Jayalalitha's AIADMK has the former party's ministers and members running for safety. Land grabbing cases has mounted and DMK is being crushed to powder beyong recognition. The fall of Left in Bengal brought in an ambitious Mamta Banerjee and she seems to win over people even after the elections. The defeat of left signaled the end of a 4 decade unparalleled dominance. In the same vein Bihar's Nitish Kumar and Gujarat's Narendra Modi seem to travel higher up with amazing governance.

Uttar Pradesh - this particular state with elections round the corner is now a key battlefield in which the future of Congress will be known clearly. The iron fist rule of Mayawati and her actions are definitely in bad taste. But can the Congress seep through a state in which it has been rendered incompetent for a long time is the question. The spotlight is on congress due to the the much hyped "Rahul Gandhi" whose main focus has been UP. As a leader who is projected as a future Prime minister his growth in the party has been phenomenal considering the number of heavy weights in the party. This will be definitely be a must watched battle for the future of india.

With all these happenings over the year, the year would have been a normal one in the history of Indian Politics. But it was not to be. One person had changed it all and today he continues to be a hero for the masses and the biggest headache for the government. KISAN BABURAO HAZARE popularly know as ANNA HAZARE, a follower and preaches of Mahatma Gandhi's teachings, became the most important person to be taken notice of. His anti-corruption movement started with a few people like Kiran Bedi, Arvind Kejrwal, the bhushans among others awakened the entire nation into going against corruption.

The moment starting in late 2010 had slowly been growing ever since making people take note of CWG scam, adarsh housing scam, corrupted CVC made to resign, culminating in the April hunger strike by ANNA. The actions spread with the help of social networking and media overdrive. The government was made to look into developing a citizens charter and bringing in a Lokpal. This was also the time India Against Corruption was born. The fast in Ramlila Maidan was a huge success. The June protest by Baba Ramdev at Ramlila was a eye scorcher for the govt with police action and widespread hate for the govt spreading. Politicians were reeling under tremendous pressure for making careful moves in its aftermath. Almost all opposition parties joining together made life hell for the Congress at the center.

But the biggest event awaited the nation on august 16 with Anna deciding to go on fast again against corruption. The govt picked him up and sent him to Tihar jail and it was the death knell for Congress. With all opposition parties, media and industry people peeving at its action, the support for Anna grew multifold. Protest were held all over india and also abroad for such insane action. The 7 days in Tihar jail and a 15 day protest in Ramlila shook the entire parliament to take action and the govt fast-tracked its promises on a LOKPAL with serious work beginning. Anna had become a cult hero and the most important person in a game changing political landscape.

Now in the late monsoon session of the parliament much debate about the LOKPAL bill rode over most of the proceedings and Anna had almost won. Just as i write this post, the govt has cleared a weaker LOKPAL bill, and Team Anna's next fast is looming larger everyday. The younger brigade of Indians are rallying behind Anna and the next course of action is being watched with a bated breath. Each step is going to a gigantic one considering the mammoth of expectations every Indian has.

Hoping that the next action be one for the growth of India and Indians i would like to wish all to look forward to a great year ahead.

An year which begins it all... 2010

With 2010 coming to an end, it is the time to reflect upon the year that went by and jot some unforgeable memories. This would be a reflection and continuation of memories of 2009.

With a new job in hand it was time to push past sorrows to the corner and start moving my career. Kuan Aik Hong was a wonderful learning experience in my career. The work environ was just short of being worse. The company turned to be a family run business with 90% employees being family members. Nevertheless technically it was engrossing working with Autocad and also learning about the constructing buildings. Days lingered on with a mechanical life day in day out.

The Chinese New Year holidays in Feb were spent in Malaysia, which was my first tour outside Singapore with friends including Barath, Sathik, Sudharshan, Karthick, Mrinal, Ananth, Prakash and Ramanathan. The trip covered Kuala Lumpur, Genting and Taman Negara. Taman Negara was a place i will never forget in my life with its river-forest landscape. The boat rides and cave exploration were a stand out and one of the best experiences one can have in life.

Back to office after the trip it was once again a routine. Suddenly out of the blue came a unexpected jolt on March 12th- i was told to leave the company as they didnt have projects. It was a period where i was just beginning to start my career and it was as rude as it could get especially after waiting for 13 months for a job. I was able to come out of this phase very soon and kudos goes to just one person who supported me throughout. Thanks my dear.

With time of visa expiry nearing it was once again a race against time as was in December 2009 and once again an opportunity showed itself. This time it was Charles Prabu who came to my aid. I joined as a HR consultant in RK Herojit owned Synergy@HASK with a contract of 3 months. Hero was a person who is always cheerful, positive and extremely motivating. I like to offer my heartfelt thanks to both Hero and Charles for this opportunity which helped my get my Singapore Permanent residence. The date of my contract was due to

expire in August 17th.

It was 2yr and 8 months since i had left India and was eager to come back home for a

couple of weeks. With PR in hand and no job in hand i landed in chennai on 17th night and the two weeks were like a rat race with many things happening. One particular day stood out for sure. The marriage of my cousin was an event where everybody got together and i had a blast during the event. In between my home trip, as a surprise and due to some interviews, a job was confirmed and i was instructed to join on 1st September.

This time it was Sathik who informed me of such a vacancy and i approached Prof. Tseng King Jet and he confirmed my intake as a Project Officer in Energy Research Institute @ NTU. It was a job which i had dreamt of for its profile and the career path. Was assigned to work with Tan Yen Kheng in a collaboration project with Rolls Royce. Rejoicing the occasion and with a sure future in hand it was time yet again to stop worrying and start a new career.

September yet again was vacation time and a trip to Bintan, Indonesia was planned and it went off amazingly. The island with its hospitable people was a delight to watch and visit. Standing out were adventurous boat rides and crystal clear coastal sea. One thing which i would cherish was the water scooter ride in which i rode upto 5 KM into the sea. Back to singpaore and a routine life with a great job carried me joyously towards 2011.

I would like to thank all those who have been a part of such ups and downs in this year. Also thanks to my parents and dear for being with me. I look forward to 2011 being a year to cherish and move up in career and life.

Alvida