2011 and the Kolaveri Phenomenon

Okay so 2011 is drawing to a close. 2011 was an extraordinary year in the history of India. So many achievements to boast about, a dozen scandals and scams to spoil India's reputation and what not! But the biggest of all was a song that shook the masses. Yeah, you guessed it right. "Why this Kolaveri di" is THE song on everyone's lips. So, here's a look at eleven major events of 2011, in a very very kolaveri way.....!!!!

1.Anna Hazare:-

2011 saw the emergence of anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare, who is the man of the moment. Hazare made headlines throughout the year with his "fast unto death" and protests against corruption. His Lokpal Bill has been supported by the majority of Indians, but only goodness knows if it will be passed in the current winter session of the Parliment. Hazare, with his IAC movement, has been a source of nightmare for the Government.

Indian Government to Hazare:

"Why this kolaveri kolaveri kolaveri da?!!!"

2. Cricket World Cup'11 Victory:-

April 2nd, 2011 will be etched in the memories of the Indians, thanks to a fantastic show by Team India in the World Cup'11. Cricket hero Sachin's dream as well as those of the fans were finally fulfilled, as the "men in blue" fought and marched past Aussies, Pak and finally defeated Sri Lanka in an epic final. Here, I raise a toast to Team India!!!

Team Sri Lanka to Team India:

"Why this kolaveri kolaveri kolaveri da?!!!"

3. The Year of scams:-

2011 was indeed the year of scams. The 2G Spectrum scam, the Common Wealth Games(CWG) scam, cash for votes scam, Goa Mining Scam, and a lot more scandals put the entire country to shame. But the mother of all scams was the 2G Spectrum Scam, which led to the arrest of Former Telecom Minister A.Raja on February 2nd this year. According to the CAG report, the spectrum allocated at undervalued prices resulted in a national loss of Rs.1.76 lakh to the State exchequer.

A.Raja to CAG:-

"Why this kolaveri kolaveri kolaveri da?!!!"

4. Koodankulam Nuclear Power Plant Protest:-

The Koodankulam Nuclear Power Plant has been met with protests from all sides in the Tiruneveli District, Tamil Nadu. The recent Fukushima disaster in Japan has convinced the locals to protest against the Koodankulam project. Despite the Centre's statement and Dr.AP.J.Abdul Kalam's analysis report, there has been no change of heart/mind of the locals.

Protesters to Central Government:-

"Why this kolaveri kolaveri kolaveri da?!!!"

5. Result Time:-

2011 witnessed the State Assembly elections and the subsequent change of the ruling parties in some of the States of India. In Tamil Nadu, the Jayalalitha led AIADMK party overthrew the then-ruling DMK party, amidst popular support. In West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress defeated the CPI(M) led Left Front after nearly four decades. In Kerala, the Congress led UDF uprooted the Led-led Government, though by a narrow margin.

DMK to Jaya / CPI(M) to Mamata:
"Why this kolaveri kolaveri kolaveri di?!!!"

6. The UP Division Proposal:-

Uttar Pradhesh Chief Minister Mayawathi came up with an idea of dividing UP into four states namely Poorvanchal, Paschim Pradesh, Awadh Pradesh and Bundelkhand. Surprisingly, the UP Assembly passed a motion by voice vote last month to divide the State into four smaller parts. The Centre has been delaying this proposal of late. And majority of the citizens are unhappy about this proposal to divide the State.

Centre and UPians to Mayawathi:

"Why this kolaveri kolaveri kolaveri di?!!!"

7. The FDI Protest:-

Last year the Government approved its 51 percent in its USD 450 billion retail market in order to pave way for giants like Wal-Mart to open multi-brand retail stores in India. Since that time, there has been a spate of protests against the Foreign Direct Investment in India. Traders across the nation have shut down their shops to show their protests and anger against the FDI.

Traders to the Central Government:-

"Why this kolaveri kolaveri kolaveri da?!!!"

8. Mumbai Triple Blasts:-

"History repeats itself." How true it was, on July 13th, when three powerful explosions at Dadar, Zaveri Bazaar and Opera House killed more than 20 people and injured several others. Mumbai has already dealt with the 26/11 attacks, and this fresh attack came as yet another powerful and painful blow.

Mumbaikers to terrorists:

"Why this kolaveri kolaveri kolaveri da?!!!"

9. Kapil Sibal's Social Networking Screening Proposal:-

Telecom and IT Minister Kapil Sibal met with severe criticisms recently, when he met executives of Facebook, Google, Yahoo and Microsoft and urged them to screen and remove offensive content posted online. This resulted in a huge online uproar from majority of India's internet users. Though Sibal denied that he was promoting censorship, and controlling the "freedom of expression", people were hardly convinced.

Indian Social Networkers to Kapil Sibal:

"Why this kolaveri kolaveri kolaveri da?!!!"

10. King"fissure":-

Liquor baron Vijay Mallya's Kingfisher Airlines announced a doubling of its losses for the September 2011 quarter at Rs.469 crore against a loss of Rs.231 crore in the same period. The airlines is going through a rough and debt ridden phase, as it struggles against increasing costs in the aviation sector.

Vijay Mallya to himself:

"Why this kolaveri kolaveri kolaveri da?!!!"

11. Heartbreaks:-

In 2011, the longest love affair of Bollywood came to an end. Bipasha Basu and John Abraham broke up, after being in a relationship for eight long years. Fans were disappointed, so was the entire Bollywood!

John to Bips:

"Why this kolaveri kolaveri kolaveri di?!!!"

On that note, I wish all of you a very Happy New Year 2012!