I count my blessings in having a wonderfully supportive partner and family, in my most experimental year till date. I published my first poetry in Banglar Kantha edited by Mohsin Malhar Da. I wrote a full long length story on Singaporean NGO Politics for the platform too. I thank Mohsin Da for his support over the past three years.

I wrote a series on DeMo and Digital as well as edited Alochonna from Delhi, thanks to Prof Mubashar Hasan, for who I pray that he comes back safe and sound. I started writing on cinema for The World of Apu edited by Ramchander Krishna and Anusha Srinivasan as well. I wrote my first poetry collection and curated a photo essay on Migrants.

This year started off in Kolkata and the new few months were spent in Delhi writing my book draft on Digital Modernity and consulting for non profits. I wrote an article on homelessness shelters in East Delhi on the banks of the Yamuna during last winter. I was however not paid for this assignment among others. Perils of independent work took a hit on the financial end. However, I have learnt a lesson or two on entrepreneurship. I end the year in Muscat where I work on projects which I am passionate, and contribute to projects of national significance.

I write, hence I am. Happy Holidays!

Gujarat election result is expected, that the invincible BJP will win; a close race was ruled out by and wake up call for the ruling dispensation. Amit Bhai’s Mission 150, busted for good is an excellent result for the Congress. The myth of absolute might of the election winning machinery of Modi ji-Amit Bhai has been disrupted. Rahul ji has got his playbook right; local leaders such as Jignesh and Hardik, Hindu Politics which is not rabid and a pleasant image, espousing approachability. This election will have spill over effects for neighboring Rajasthan and the states of Madhya Pradesh/CG.

The opposition needs rebooting with the HAJ model. New faces on the ground and a freshness away from Lutyens. It was three young leaders who saved the day for the Congress. The established leaders on the contrary lost. We don’t need Prashant Kishore’s of the world with their laptop politics, but on the ground leaders. Elections are won on the ground on polling day rather than online. There is however the politics of Watsapp forwards, and the 66A issue.

If these are implemented in the next year, there will be a contest for 2019. Otherwise it will be a walkover.