Thaindian News

New Delhi, Jan 1 (IANS) As the New Year dawns, hope runs high among the people. While most saw 2010 as a year of transit from bad times to better ones - the impact of the economic meltdown still being felt - the year 2011 is being viewed as a year of prosperity and joy.”Last year was just after the economic slowdown, and with the new year our hope is that things will get stabilised,” Nishant Arya, a bank executive, said. “For 2011, my first hope obviously is a big raise,” he laughed.

As it’s the beginning of a new decade, the year brings big hopes.

“It’s surprising that a decade has gone from 2000, the Y2K was the fever, now that it’s the second decade of the century, I think it is the decade which will mould the face of the whole century,” Shalini Narayan, a teacher, said.

For many, an ease in the price rise situation was the biggest wish.

“The way prices of vegetables and other commodities rose last year, I just hope they come down to the normal level. Now that the economy is stabilising, that is my biggest hope,” said Rashi Sharma, a housewife.

Many are running to astrologers to get a foresight into what the year holds for them.

“My zodiac sign is Libra, and my astrological reports say it will be an eventful year, so I am eager to see what it may hold,” says Shahid, a BA first year student in Kirorimal College.

“The year 2011, according to the Chinese astrology, will be the Year of Rabbit, which will start Feb 3. This year is supposed to be calm, so I hope after all the turmoil of the last two years, we will have a peaceful year,” Ramakant Mishra, a government official and an astrology enthusiast, said.

“I just hope this year will see no scams, and as a nation we will march towards our aims in the development field,” said Sourav Singh, a student of Jawaharlal Nehru University.

While astrology and tarot have kept hopes pinned on a good New Year, people are also hoping it will be an entertaining fun year.

“The year was awesome when it comes to movies and songs. ‘Dabbang’ was a fun movie. I will remember it for long, and I hope there are more to come in 2011,” said Sohini Gujral, a college-goer in the capital.

From economy to the tinsel town, 2010 has had its share of damp squibs and duds, but like ever before hope springs eternal and the hope for things to change has kept everyone optimistic.

“I just want to think positive and move towards another ‘newsy’ year. Maybe, that’s the best way to cope with any change,” said Pallavi Naik, 23, a media professional.