2024 – The Year of Leaplings!*

 It’s December 31st, and time to pause and look back at the whirlwind that was 2024. Arguably one of the most tumultuous years in recent memory, the world endured overwhelming natural disasters and brutal wars. Amidst the chaos and destruction, though, there were moments where humanity found ways to bring hope and relief, proving resilience even in the darkest of times.

These are just my personal reflections on the events that stood out to me this year—not a comprehensive report, but a journey through the moments that resonated deeply. As always, I’ve touched upon key world events, happenings in India, and the highs and lows right here in Chennai.

Here’s to leaving behind the challenges of 2024 and stepping into a brighter, better New Year 2025!

10. Trump Triumphs,  Thulasendrapuram Weeps: 

Trumping all predictions former President Donald Trump dodged a bullet and won the presidential election against incumbent Vice President Kamala Harris in November. With this thumping victory, Trump had the last laugh and is all set to change the course of Global politics in 2025. 

Meanwhile, Thulasendrapuram, Kamala Harris’ ancestral village in Tamil Nadu 8,000 miles from DC descended into a pall of gloom. Excited villagers who held special prayers during the run up to the election seeking Divine intervention were a dejected lot. But it’s significant to note that in an increasingly connected world, political or other actions have resonance across continents. 

09. BJP Bounces Back: 

India conducted its largest democratic exercise between April and June, with the ruling BJP banking on PM Narendra Modi's charisma and projecting over 400 seats. Though falling short of this optimistic target and losing its outright majority, strategic negotiations ensured the NDA retained Lok Sabha control.

The INDIA alliance, led by Rahul Gandhi, secured a notable breakthrough, elevating him to Leader of Opposition—a sign of Congress's potential revival. However, crushing defeats in Haryana and Maharashtra soon derailed momentum, sparking doubts about his leadership.

Buoyed by its victories, BJP swiftly pushed key initiatives like One Nation One Election and the Uniform Civil Code. While their implementation remains uncertain, the INDIA alliance's fragility leaves BJP well-positioned for 2025.

08. Paradise Regained

Closer to home, Sri Lanka saw a significant political shift in September 2024 when Anura Kumara Dissanayake, leader of the leftist National People’s Power (NPP) party, won the Presidential election. His victory marked a break from the dominance of the traditional political elite, reflecting the people’s yearning for change. Dissanayake’s campaign resonated with voters through its focus on transparency, social equity, and anti-corruption—values that stood in stark contrast to the previous regimes mired in economic mismanagement and nepotism.

As one of the youngest Presidents in Sri Lanka’s history, Dissanayake has wasted no time in addressing the country’s pressing challenges. He has pledged to tackle rampant corruption, reform public administration, and implement policies aimed at revitalizing the economy. With these efforts, the people of Sri Lanka have reclaimed their "Paradise Island," breaking free from decades of political stagnation. While challenges remain, this victory signals a new chapter of hope and empowerment for the island nation.

07. Doldrums in Dhaka

While Sri Lanka saw a glimmer of political hope with new leadership, things took a chaotic turn in our other neighbour, Bangladesh. In August 2024, student-led protests over government job quotas escalated into widespread unrest, forcing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign and flee to India. What followed was a grim period of violence, including attacks on Hindu temples in Bangladesh, sparking tensions across the border.

Now, with Dhaka formally requesting Hasina’s return for judicial proceedings, India finds itself in a tricky spot, balancing diplomacy with the need to prevent further strain in relations. It’s a delicate situation that underscores the complex dynamics in our region.

06. Chess Glory for Gukesh

Chennai’s chess legacy reached dazzling new heights in 2024 when 18-year-old prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju became the youngest undisputed World Chess Champion. In a nail-biting final, Gukesh defeated China's Ding Liren in the 14th and decisive game, etching his name in chess history.

Following in the footsteps of his mentor and five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand, Gukesh’s triumph solidifies Chennai’s reputation as the chess capital of India and a powerhouse on the global stage. His historic victory is more than just a personal milestone—it’s a moment of immense pride for Chennai and India, sparking hope and inspiration for a new generation of chess enthusiasts across the country and beyond.

05. Fengal Fury

For Chennai, cyclones during the North East monsoon are an all-too-familiar occurrence, and this year’s Cyclone Fengal brought a troubling sense of déjà vu. Making landfall near Karaikal, south of Pondicherry, on November 30, the cyclone unleashed heavy rainfall and strong winds, leaving Chennai and its neighbouring districts grappling with widespread inundation and disruption. Many in Chennai woke up to waterlogged streets and homes, vividly recalling the flooding nightmares of past monsoons.

The cyclone’s devastation extended beyond flooding. In Tiruvannamalai, the fury of Fengal triggered a deadly landslide that buried homes, tragically claiming the lives of a family of seven, including five young children. This heartbreaking loss underscored the fragile balance between humanity and nature, serving as a grim reminder of the consequences of unchecked environmental degradation. Cyclone Fengal was not just another storm—it was a wake-up call to prioritize sustainable practices and better disaster preparedness.

04. Vijay takes the Plunge: 

After a series of lacklustre performances at the box office, actor Vijay decided to rewrite his story—not in cinema, but in politics. In February 2024, he launched his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), signalling his intent to transition from the silver screen to the political stage. Vijay has already announced that TVK will contest the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, aiming to reshape the state’s political landscape. Vijay’s inaugural state conference on October 27th drew massive crowds, where he passionately declared TVK’s vision for change and expressed openness to alliances with like-minded parties.

While Vijay’s star power and cinematic charisma have stirred excitement, it remains to be seen whether his political journey will redefine Tamil Nadu’s political scene or fade as a fleeting moment. One thing is clear: Vijay has added a dramatic twist to the state’s political narrative, with fans eagerly waiting to see how this story unfolds.

03. Big Budget Flops and Silver Linings: 

This year saw yet another series of much-hyped, big-budget movies bombing at the box office. Films like Surya’s Kanguva, Kamal Haasan’s Indian 2, and Vijay’s G.O.A.T. failed to impress, despite their massive budgets and star power. With astronomical salaries for heroes and a lack of focus on storytelling or filmmaking craft, their failure seemed inevitable.

However, there were glimmers of hope. Tamil cinema produced quality films like Vaazhai, Meiazhagan, Garudan, and the heartfelt love story Amaran, proving that talented directors and writers are ready to shine if given the right platform. Meanwhile, Malayalam cinema continued to excel with gems like Manjummel Boys, Adujeevitham, and Ajayante Randaam Moshanam, blending artistic brilliance with box office success. These films remind us that good storytelling and authentic filmmaking still resonate with audiences. As we look ahead, we can only hope for more of these cinematic treasures to balance the scales.

 02. Double Air Crash in December

December saw two tragic air crashes just a week apart, claiming many lives. On December 29, Jeju Air Flight 2216 went down in South Korea, leaving only two survivors out of 181 people onboard. A bird strike that likely caused the landing gear to fail is believed to be the culprit, though investigations are still underway.

Just a few days earlier, on December 25, Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243 crashed in Kazakhstan after being diverted due to bad weather. Shockingly, the plane was struck by a surface-to-air missile during its approach, causing the crash. Thanks to quick rescue efforts, 29 of the 67 passengers and crew survived.

These incidents remind us of the urgent need to prioritize aviation safety, from thorough maintenance checks to heightened awareness in conflict zones.

01. Rays of Hope amidst Humanitarian Crises

2024 has been a year of profound challenges, with escalating conflicts and natural disasters causing immense suffering. In Sudan, power struggles have turned cities into battlegrounds, displacing millions and leaving families in desperate need of essentials like food and water. Gaza continues to endure relentless attacks, with fragile infrastructure reduced to rubble, making survival an everyday battle. Blockades and violence constantly interrupt humanitarian efforts, hampering the rebuilding of lives and communities.

Yet, even in these dark times, rays of hope emerge. In Sudan, grassroots efforts and international partnerships have created safe zones, providing women and children with critical medical care and food supplies. In Gaza, organizations like UNRWA have managed to deliver medical aid and set up makeshift schools, offering children a semblance of normalcy amidst chaos.

Cuba, too, has faced devastating hurricanes and power outages that have left millions in dire straits. International agencies, including the UN, have stepped up to provide relief, addressing immediate needs and supporting recovery efforts.

As a humanitarian aid worker, I have had the privilege of contributing to some of these efforts in conflict zones and disaster-hit areas. What inspires me most is the resilience of the innocent people who, despite immense loss, display remarkable courage and faith in the inherent goodness of humanity. Their strength reminds us that hope, even in the toughest times, is a powerful force for change.

0. 0. Crazy times ahead - Brain Rot and Beyond

2024’s Word of the Year, “Brain Rot,” really sums up our times. Who hasn’t been guilty of scrolling endlessly through memes, watching dancing cats, or—let’s be honest—debating in a comment section : “Which biryani reigns supreme—Dindigul or Ambur?” and for the CSK fan, the return of the Native, Ashwin to the Lion’s Den is indeed a hot topic. 

These are the burning questions of our times—or at least, they felt like it in 2024’s online frenzy. But here’s the beauty of it all: whether it’s Dindigul or Ambur, cricket or cat videos, these little joys and debates are what keep us connected. As we step into 2025, let’s take “Brain Rot” as a reminder to laugh at ourselves, enjoy the absurdity, and maybe even put our phones down for a while to savour the actual biryani in front of us. Hope doesn’t have to be serious—it’s also about finding joy in life’s quirks. Onward to 2025, where the debates will continue, but so will the laughter!

P.S. Leaplings* are those lucky (or unlucky, depending on how you see it) souls born on February 29. They technically get to celebrate their birthday only once every four years, making them forever young—or so they claim! In 2024, they finally had their day—so here’s to four years of jokes and one day of cake!