Today, another year begins and it is the end of 2011. It seems like yesterday when we welcomed 2011 and 2012 has dawned upon us. A year of highs and lows, happiness and sadness, emerging trends and a global financial crisis is what 2011 has turned out to be. And, as rightly pointed out by TIME, 2011 was the “Year of the Protester”, when the man on the streets raised his voice to fight injustice meted out by the powers-to-be. From the “Arab Spring” to “Occupy Wall Street” and Team Anna’s agitation closer home in India, the common man raised his voice and showed his power.
The Power of the People
The Year of the Protester
History has shown that unjust policies, which neglect the people, can last only so long. The French Revolution, The American Revolution and The Indian Independence Struggle (and many more) all illustrate the power of the people who aren’t in the upper echelons of society. And this principle was reinforced in 2011. Anger, which was being built up over years and decades together, showed this year in a variety of places. The Arab Spring in the Middle East and North Africa proved that autocratic governments cannot last forever. It also showed us that no amount of resistance from dictators can stop the people. The Libyan struggle, which extended over many months, was a shining example of how the might of an entire nation is stronger than the will of an all-powerful dictator. Democracy or the will of the people will always prevail and neither Gaddafi nor Mubarak can stop it. Moreover, the people of Egypt and Libya gave inspiration to their neighbours in the Middle East. We saw fierce protests which weren’t as successful in Palestine, Syria, Lebanon etc.
It wasn’t just Central Asia and North Africa. Further north, the people of Russia were enraged when there were allegations that the presidential elections were rigged. Such was the power of the Russian population that they have forced the election to be conducted again. Moving west, the whole of Europe and North America was engulfed in the “Occupy” protests. Starting with Occupy Wall Street, the people revolted against policies, which were beneficial to the 1% and didn’t bother about the 99%. It demanded governments to take a series of austerity measures, curb spending and concentrate more on the people which required the benefit of development. With the imminent collapse of Greece and Italy, the Eurozone crisis and fears of a global economic meltdown, the Occupy protests got louder and forced governments to listen.
Bringing the government to its knees!
Closer home in India, Team Anna’s rally against corruption was one of the most significant outpouring of public anger since Indian Independence in 1947. The entire nation was united for a strong and effective Lokpal bill in order to root out the menace of corruption from the country. All over the country, the people rallied behind Anna Hazare, a simple Gandhian from the Maharashtrian town of Ralegan Siddhi to voice their displeasure with the government’s lethargy to bring a Lokpal bill.
There is one thing however which we have witnessed. Though these protests forced the people in power to listen to the common man, not all were successful. While the struggles in Egypt, Libya and Russia were a resounding success, the people were fiercely put down in countries like Syria and Lebanon. And, though the “Occupy” protests met an untimely end, their voice resonated across the planet.
What we can expect in 2012
Once the people raise their voice, it is impossible to suppress them. People have found their calling. 2012 will resonate with more protests if governments don’t listen to our voices. It is high time that leaders listen to what people want and not do as they wish.
Social Media
2011 redefined the use of social networking. Social networking gained a new meaning and a new direction. All over the world, the protests spread like wildfire on social networking sites. It enabled the people to be heard. Moreover, companies increasingly started to use social media for their needs. Advertising became more and more prominent on sites like Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Empire Avenue. All the major sites got a complete overhaul and it became a medium to meet new people, create content and engage with your friends. Social media became increasingly more entwined into our lives. Privacy concerns were raised, some were tackled and some weren’t. However, one thing is clear. Social media is here to stay.
Social Media redefined our lives
What we can expect in 2012
Social media is going to grow even more in 2012. People are going to go increasingly online and expect more action from Facebook, Twitter and Google. Or, who knows? We might have a brand new social networking site that could blow all of them off their feet. Stay tuned!!
Technology
Two words defined technology in 2011. One was cloud and the other was tablet. Cloud computing is the next big thing for data storage. Cloud increasingly gained prominence over 2011 especially with Apple’s launch of iCloud and other companies tapping the cloud market like never before. With easy access of your data from anywhere on the globe becoming a necessity, cloud storage was one of the biggest buzzwords of 2011.
The other important development was the rise of the tablet. Apple perfected how a tablet should be with the iPad 2. Everyone wanted a tablet. And, more importantly, everyone wanted to make one. But, none except the Apple iPad and Amazon Kindle caught the people’s attention. Tablets are going to define the next generation of computing so be prepared for a tablet revolution!
What to expect in 2012
The most awaited OS of 2012 - Can it redefine technology?
Technology in 2012 has some exciting prospects for all of us. The one which I am waiting for is Microsoft’s next operating system, Windows 8 which unifies the desktop, tablet and smartphone operating system, depends heavily on the cloud and is all set to redesign computing with its tiled interface. And, of course, Apple can’t be far behind with rumours of an iPad 3, iPhone 5 and even an iTV. With even Android to release its successor to Ice Cream Sandwich reportedly called Jelly Bean, be sure to expect an awesome 2012 for technology!
Environment
From an environmental perspective, 2011 leaves a lot to be desired. Durban was a virtual failure with a commitment for a climate pact to be active only from 2020. There has been lot of active research going on and some amazing results have been published, which if commercialised would really revolutionise the world.
What to expect in 2012
Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012. Many countries are even dropping out now. Earth Day Network promises some big action but only time will tell how big it is. Keeping fingers crossed!!
Sports
It was a fantastic year for sports. India won the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. Manchester United won the English Premier League for a record 19th time toppling Liverpool from its perch. We found a new hero in tennis in Novak Djokovic. And, by winning the ATP Tour Masters, Roger Federer showed he is still of champion material. Moreover, India hosted its first ever Grand Prix at the Buddh International Circuit which was a resounding success!
A year Indian cricket will cherish forever
Personal
Joined IIT and...
2011 has been kind to me. I finished my high school and joined for undergrad at the Indian Institute of Technology. I hope 2012 can continues to be good for me!
Also, I started this wonderful blog called ReflectionsPN to make a difference in this world. Stay tuned guys! 2012 has lots in store for ReflectionsPN!
... and started ReflectionsPN!!
What do you think of 2011? Let me know in the comments! See you next year!! And, don’t forget to watch Google Zeitgeist 2011!!
Cheers!!
