For those of us in the news business, 2004 was a year in which the stories and the surprises never stopped. The year was dominated not just by the unpredictable, but the unpredicted. In politics or business or sport, nothing turned out the way it was supposed to. In every way, 2004 was a topsy-turvy year, one that upset all calculations.

Nowhere was this more evident than in politics where the humble Indian voter shook not just this country but the world. Those who thought they could never lose, lost. And who never thought they would win, won. Contrary to all predictions, the BJP and its allies were voted out of power and the memorable mantra of India Shining was eclipsed into oblivion. The Congress, considered washed up and irrelevant in the opposition, returned triumphantly to power. When the controversial issue of a foreign-born prime minister arose, along came another twist: Sonia Gandhi declined to head the government and anointed Manmohan Singh, the most non-political politician, as prime minister.

Traumatised by defeat, the BJP returned to its old guard and made L.K. Advani party president for the fifth time. In the Best Bakery case, Zaheera Sheikh changed her testimony twice in the year, making a mockery of the legal process. A venerated religious figure was arrested on a murder charge and accusation of sexual misconduct.

In business, India's biggest and richest industrial house Reliance was hit by a headline-grabbing feud between the Ambani brothers. In entertainment, it was the year of sleeper hits like Murder and Jism and item-girl cult figures. In sport, India won its first Olympic silver but also came home with its first positive dope tests from the Games and more gloomy news. Instead of following up a good year with a better one, the Indian cricket team stumbled.

Our yearend special captures the drama of the year gone by with thematic essays and the best pictures of 2004. More than anything else, years like 2004 should teach everyone, in particular journalists, never to take things for granted and to expect the unexpected. To look for the truth behind the spin and to remember that failure or success is never final. And to realise that there is no monopoly on wisdom. Above all to be humble in victory and graceful in defeat.

Have a Very Happy New Year.

(Aroon Purie)

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