Issue 67 - 9th February, 2012
Number GamesMatching dates and days
2012 is a number’s game. Quite literally, as it replicates 1984, day by date giving a new spin to the often used phrase “History repeats itself”. Called a perpetual calendar, the phenomena of matching dates and days repeat itself, every once in 28 years. But is that the only repetition? Chetan Sharma, Editor-in-Chief examines what 1984 gave and 2012 is likely to give in this article.
1984 - Rakesh Sharma becomes the first Indian to travel in space. 2012 is the first time India has, post the controversial Antrix- Devas deal barred four space scientists from entering the government space.
1984 -Virgin Atlantic took off for the first time. In 2012, its Indian clone Kingfisher is under threat to touch down for the last time.
1984 –the poliomyelitis outbreak was first recognized when a 6 year old child near Helsinki was found to be affected by poliovirus type 3. 2012 – India announces it has become a polio free nation In sports. Fresh from its first ever limited over Cricket World Cup victory an year back, 1984 saw India being thrashed by England and Australia. 2012 – Same results after India became World Champions a year back. 1984 – Vijay Amritraj did India proud by beating the all time tennis great John McEnroe. 2012- Leander Paes did India proud by winning his first Australian open men’s doubles title. At 38, Leander’s feat tells us three things. Age is no bar to determination, Indians perform better as individuals and sans administrative politics (when compared with cricket).
Both 1984 and 2012 are Olympic years. The venue though has shifted 9000 km from Los Angeles to London. The leadership has shifted 11000 km to Beijing with China becoming the new sports super power. Status quo for India – medal prospects look just as bleak.
On to business now. 1984 – Finance minister VP Singh announced a path breaking budget .Removal of estate duty and reduction of taxes started an era of liberalization leading to a swell in the new issue market and a deluge of companies. Stock markets gained 9%. 2012 is an election year which means that Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee promises to be liberal . However budget post elections, high inflation and fiscal deficit coupled with dipping growth may not allow it. The new issue market has been falling. Sensex would be more than lucky to see a 9% gain. 1984 – Dhirubhai Ambani’s Reliance Industries was making waves recommended as the biggest buy in the stock markets. 2012- son Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries announces India’s biggest buy back of 2.1 billion dollars.
1984 – Asia’s oldest stock exchange, the BSE saw many a landmark. For the first time the number of listed companies crossed 3000 and their market cap Rs. 20000 crores . Today, BSE has the largest number of listed companies (over 5000) in the world. Market cap has multiplied 400 times in the last 28 years. 1984 – “Insider trading” was the buzz word. The US Congress passed an act to prosecute those who wrongly benefitted from it. 2012 - “Outsider trading“ is the buzz word once again. The Indian government has allowed foreign individuals to transact directly on Dalal Street.
1984 - India suffered casualties on two historic accounts. First, the anti - Sikh riots. Starting with Operation Blue Star at the Golden Temple and culminating in Hindu Sikh riots post the assassination of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguard. 2012 - Attempts to ignite communal sparks are sure to be a part of the upcoming Punjab Elections. In 1984, the Bhopal Gas Tragedy caused by the leak from a Union carbide pesticide plant, the world’s biggest industrial disaster took away 23000 lives . 2012 - Dow Chemicals a sponsor for the London Olympics faces resistance from organizers given its links with Bhopal disaster. Thus the pain and the stain of both events linger on.
1984 was depressing where a million people lost their lives in the Ethiopian famine. 2012 – the world faces an economic depression where a million could lose their livelihood. The European Economic committee contributed 1.8 million Pounds to Ethiopia. This time round the financial famine is in the euro zone itself. The aid needed will be many times more.
1984 was thus an year of death, disasters and destruction. 2012, as per the Mayan calendar, would see the end of a 5125 year long cycle and bring death and destruction , even ending life on Earth. Really? Its interesting how mathematics combined with history can be so deadly. Simply put, it’s the numbers game. So what’s in a number? Try asking Queen Elizabeth –II who completes 60 years of her reign . Or better still; ask Army Chief, Gen V K Singh who completes ... years!
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