It’s time to say goodbye to 2023, a year in which India had many reasons to celebrate. We witnessed the historic successful lunar landing of our moon mission Chandrayaan-3, making India the first and only country to achieve this feat. The year also saw the inauguration of the new Parliament building, a successful rescue mission to save 41 people trapped in a collapsed tunnel, and record highs for Nifty and the Sensex. India had the honor of hosting the G20 Summit and surpassed China as the world’s most populous country. The year also saw significant political developments in the Assembly elections, with BJP dominating the Hindi heartland and Congress strengthening its presence in the South. Despite these achievements, there was also heartbreak as India’s ODI World Cup dream slipped away, and senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was disqualified from the Lok Sabha. However, the Supreme Court stayed his conviction, leading to his reinstatement. In summary, 2023 was a momentous year for India, filled with ups and downs.
Interestingly, 2024 marks Tehelka’s 21st year of publication, setting new standards in public interest journalism. The latest cover story, “Farmhouse parties: Throwing norms to the wind,” exposes the reality of farmhouses hosting parties without adhering to alcohol consumption license requirements and other excise regulations. Some organizers are even promoting these parties on social media as “New Year’s Eve Specials.” Certain organizers confidently stated that no police can enter their farmhouses and that the parties would continue uninterrupted. It’s crucial for the excise department to take decisive action to address these violations and ensure accountability within the farmhouse community. There is an urgent need for intervention to uphold regulatory integrity. Although India currently lacks specialized anti-rave laws, the increasing popularity of rave parties calls for specific legislation to regulate these events and hold individuals accountable for engaging in controlled substance activities at such parties.
Tehelka wishes its readers and patrons a happy and healthy New Year! We hope that 2024 will be a year of hope, aspirations, and achievable resolutions for all!