We are officially ending the year 2018 with a million memories and honestly, it has been a hell of a rollercoaster ride. We witnessed historic events in the country this year – with the decriminalisation of Section 377 and the advent of the long due #MeToo movement in India. We got many wins and 2018 never ceased to surprise us.
So to say our goodbyes to this wonderful year, we bring forth the best memories from 2018 that yet again taught us, no matter how bad things go, truth and talent will always win!
1. #MeToo Movement In India
Image Source: Instagram
A movement that was made popular by Hollywood stars took momentum in India this year after Tanushree Dutta revealed her sexual harassment story against Nana Patekar. Since then, we’ve been hearing names like Alok Nath, Sajid Khan, Vikas Bahl and so on. You can read more about Me Too campaign here. These unfortunate incidences that occurred in the past, some as long ago 10 to 20 years back, are being heard now. With all the support women received via social media, we can say that it’s a change of era but it’s still unfortunate that until now women didn’t feel safe enough to speak up.
2. Decriminalisation Of Section 377
Image Source: Instagram
On 6th September 2018, the Supreme Court gave a historic judgment by decriminalising Section 377. After a struggle of 150 years, the court stated that adult gay sex is not a crime. “Consensual sex between adults in a private space, which is not harmful to women or children, cannot be denied as it is a matter of individual choice. Section 377 results in discrimination and is violative of constitutional principles,” said SC. Read more about SC judgment on Section 377 here.
3. India’s National Blind Cricket Team’s Big Win
Image Source: HT
In January 2018, a match was held the Indian National Blind Cricket team and Pakistan at UAE’s Sharjah Cricket Stadium. India had to make 308 runs to win the game against Pakistan and they won. By winning the world championship trophy, India retained their title, which was previously brought to the country in 2014.
4. Plastic Ban In Maharashtra
Maharashtra government took a wise decision on 23rd June and banned the manufacture, usage, sale, transport, handling and storage of plastic. Now, the first time offenders are fined Rs 5,000, second time offenders Rs 10,000 and third time offenders Rs 25,000 and up to three years in jail.
5. Mithali Raj’s 2000 Runs
India’s Women’s T20 Asia Cup tournament was held in June this year. In the tournament, Mithali Raj, Indian women’s cricket team captain became the first Indian cricketer to score 2000 runs in T20. It’s a number that even Kohli hasn’t touched yet.
6. Sunil Chhetri’s Big Win
This is nothing but a small plea from me to you. Take out a little time and give me a listen. pic.twitter.com/fcOA3qPH8i
— Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) June 2, 2018
After inviting the entire country to watch his and his team’s football match, Sunil Chhetri made a million fans in one game. During Intercontinental Cup that held in India this year, Sunil Chhetri tweeted a video requesting Indians to come to the stadium and watch the game and support it as much as they support the International teams. The plea went viral immediately and the stadium was full. This was Chhetri’s 100th international match and they were playing against Kenya. Chhetri and the team won the game by 3-0. Chhetri’s total tally now is 64 which is just one less than Lionel Messi.
7. First Woman Fighter Pilot In Indian Air Force
Image Source: Delhi Police on Twitter
India’s first all-female commando team was formally inducted in Delhi Police by Union Minister Rajnath Singh this August. To become part of the team thirty-six women went through a training process for fifteen months which included handing weapons, countering terrorism and Krav Maga. This team is the first one to break the male hold on SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) team.
8. First Woman Solo Fighter Pilot
Image Source: Truecolumn.com
A 24-year-old flying officer Avani Chaturvedi became the first woman in India to fly a fighter jet alone in February. She flew a MiG-21 Bison which has the highest takeoff and landing speed in the world. Her solo training lasted 30 minutes and has put India on the same lines of countries like the USA, Isreal and UK, where women play an important role.
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