As the clock strikes 12 for the midnight christmas mass, you realize that the year has come to an end and in 6 days another new year will start. The last week of December is reserved for numerous resolutions. Like every year, last december I made resolutions. I went a step ahead and wrote them down, because somewhere I read that you are more likely to achieve your goals if you note them down. Yet I sit on my couch a year older, probably a bit wiser but definitely fatter.
2016 has undoubtedly been a roller coaster ride. The year started with Jio’s epic launch and ended with noteban.
Some of my friends got married, some changed their jobs and some went back to school changed city or moved abroad for better prospects. Personally for me 2016 has been one of the most happening year of my life. I started the year with a goal to improve myself physically, mentally, socially and economically. While I succeeded in some, I failed miserably at others.
Regular early morning football matches were keeping me fit for the first half of the year but as the football buddies left country for higher studies, I ended up gaining a pot belly.
As Tyrion Lannister said,”A mind needs books, as a sword needs a whetstone if it is to keep its edge.” So In order to keep myself sharp mentally, I thought I should read a lot and not just fiction but books of all genre. My target was to complete atleast 2 books every month. I started with Spiritual books I tried two books viz. Autobiography of a Yogi by Swami Paramhansananda and Science and Spirituality by . but could had to leave them midway. Then I moved to political books. I tried my luck at 2 books viz. Chatrapati Shivaji by and Emergency a personal history by Commi Kapoor. Again I had to leave them midway and return to my comfort zone i.e fiction. I completed The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri, The White Tiger by Arvind Adaiga and The Martian by Andy Weir.
This year I developed a few hobbies and turned some old interests into action. Finally, the Violin which was lying in my cupboard for last 18months was put into use as I joined violin class. So far I can only produce noise but still I will call it an achievement. Another proud achievement for me was joining German class. I always wanted to learn a foreign language. Earlier I tried learning Spanish and Deutsh from Internet but all those expeditions were futile. So this time I joined an actual class. My biggest achievement of 2016 was starting a YouTube channel. It wouldn’t have been possible without my friends from office.
All work and no vacation makes Jack a dull boy. So this year I had quite a few number of vacations. In April I went to Goa with my wolfpack.
In the same month I went to Ajanta Ellora and Aurangabad.
In May I went to see the Longest Dam of India i.e The Hirakund Dam. The calm countryside had a mesmerising effect on me. Living in Mumbai for last 2 years I had forgotten how a sky full of stars looked.
A year is incomplete for a Mumbaikar without a trip to the Western Ghats. In July I went to Lonavala. when the rain starts the hills become prettier. The final trip was a bike ride from Pune to Mahabaleshwar, Panchagani and Tapola. This trip is going to stay in my mind for a long time.
The most important vacation was my visit to Kolkata during Durga Puja. Not because I was visiting Kolkata in Pujo after 2years but because we were hosting the pujo at our place for the first time. It made me realise no matter where you are, your heart will always remain in Kolkata.
So all in all 2016 has been a wonderful year for me. Had many good and bad experiences. Visited new places. Met new people. Made some good friends lost contact with some. and I thank everyone for making 2016 so memorable. I woke up to see the sun rise from Mountains and I saw The Sun set into the vast Sea. All those experiences made me a stronger and perhaps a better person. Hopefully 2017 will bring greater challenges and hopefully next year I’ll be writing something similar with a deeper pocket and a slimmer waistline.
I wish everyone reading this a happy and prosperous new year. Enjoy the coming year responsibly stay fit stay blessed.
Godspeed
Jeet Biswas 