Mixed Bag

1997 was a mixed bag for the country. From the dream Budget and Miss World to the political fiasco, the year had everything in it. Bilateral relations improved, especially with reconciliatory postures vis-a-vis the US. As far as Pakistan and Bangladesh are concerned, they were better than ever before. But we also had the WTO debacle, where India now seems to have sorted out its problems.

Paes and Bhupati gave sport lovers plenty to cheer about, unlike the cricketers who had a most miserable year. Diana Hayden cemented Indias position at the top of the worlds beauty map, and Arundhati Roy got the Booker prize. Indian space scientists made the country not only self-reliant but also a leader in satellite launching! After overcoming teething troubles, India will definitely become a space giant.

 

But recession has thrown the economy out of gear, not to speak of rupee devaluation. Political uncertainty has provided the icing on the cake. With elections round the corner, one only wonders what 1998 has in store for us.