reflections on the decade that went..

Today, a date (1-1-11) that will come only once a century. A few similar one's 1-11-11, 20-11-2011, 12-12-12 are coming up in the near/distant future. Also, 20-12-2012 is the closest to the (in)famously publicised doom's day. Its the beginning of a new year and the second decade of 21st century. Any new beginning calls for new plans, reflecting on the previous experiences. My resolution is not to make any resolutions!

If I look back and think about the past decade, a few memory images pass by. There have been a lot of changes that took place, some might call them evolution, some nature. But change nevertheless. 10 years ago, while the world was busy welcoming the new millennia, my good friend Anand and I gathered to “study” at our 4th floor apartment in Jamnagar. We heard the fireworks of our nearby Summair Club and Vishal International Hotel and went to the terrace (7th floor) to see if we could see anything. I can't recollect of whether we saw anything, but the only lights we saw in the distant horizon was the orange spherical Reliance Industries, the worlds largest grass roots refinery had was taking shape since a few years. Last night, we were at embankment to experience the fireworks and celebration in London. It was spectacular (youtube-link) and worth the six hour effort of getting in and out under crowd control. Between the two new years, there past a decade of change.

The experience of earthquake, in the early hours of 26th January 2001 (national holiday for Republic Day), is the one that will stay with me for ever. It was exciting at that time, but its scale and disastrous extent was beyond my mental capacity. Instincts take over and behaviour, understanding what is happening takes a while. For me at that age, spending nights in the open and in the ground, was exciting. People were affected and they equally adapted in cities and villages. Another such recollection of watching news reports of the destruction it caused later on. Results of HSC during June 2001, admissions to the BVM Engineering College in IT (first batch), amongst widespread news of the IT Bubble (ka)boom. Another image from that year springs to mind, is that of a man jumping down the WTC during 9/11 another such world changing event. New found friends, the friendly and not so friendly professors. Many events of the college life, may be too many to describe flash by, fast forwarding the clock to 2005 and graduation, with Auroville, tsunami and riding the bike in the floods after college. Excitement of placements and beginning professional careers, not just for myself but placement of friends was equally satisfying. Work took me to Bangalore, Reading, Hyderabad and London, where I am today from the later part of the decade.

I've changed in appearance, weight, thought process, understanding of the world, nature and its genius ways, likes, dislikes, food, habits, reading habits, movies, tv shows, routine, interests, communication mediums.. the list goes on, as I ponder.. To observe similar changes in the people around us is also entertaining.

Wishing all a very happy new year and a great decade ahead, and many more..

Wishes