2008 on a winning note!!

The zeal to succeed is always ennobling; more so in the time of terror and recession. Saluting the undying spirit of West Delhiites, West Delhi showcases some thrilling success stories scripted by them in the year 2008. To remain optimistic and happy is a congenital human attribute. This is the reason why amid the gathering gloom over recession and the threat of terrorism, everyone is looking for a reason to smile and whoop it up this New Year Eve. There is no doubt that these are, to quote, Dickens, "the best of times and the worst of times.’’ But there is no taming the resilient spirit of West Delhiites. Their greatest asset is their ability to bounce back instead of getting bogged down in the quagmire of defeatism. And, no one personifies this trait better then our very own Sushil Kumar, Olympic medallist wrestler from West Delhi. A native of Baprola village in Najafgarh, Sushil this year became India’s fourth-ever individual Olympics bronze medalist, putting India on the medal tally of Olympics. For sure he can be rightly called the next nawab of Najafgarh after Sehwag. If Olympics saw the birth of a new star, same is true for international cricket. West Delhi’s very own Virat Kohli from Shankar Garden, near Vikaspuri did India proud as it won the U/19 World Cup (2008). Gautam Gambhir from Karol Bagh is another cricketer from West Delhi who is making his mark as an opener in both the versions of the game. After topping the batting average in the recently concluded test series against England, Gambhir has now jumped to 10th spot in ICC rankings. Then there is the speedster from Ranjit Nagar, Ishant Sharma, who has become a regular bowler for the Indian squad. He shot into international limelight early this year in Australia when he knocked the living daylights out of Ricky Ponting by dismissing him many times in one-dayers and test matches. In fact, he played a crucial role in halting the Australian juggernaut. Other prominent youngsters from West Delhi, who are all set to make it big in the field of sports in the coming years include Amit Mishra (Cricket) Arantxa Andrady (Tennis), Vishal Singh (Cricket) from Tilak Nagar and Shaun Andrady (Soccer) from Delhi Cantt.

From real to reel world, West Delhiites left their indelible stamp everywhere in 2008. Several youngsters made their debut on the small screen and came out with guns blazing. Take the case of Rishita Monga from Vikaspuri, who was crowned as ’Ultimate ibibo MTV i Superstar’. In this popular reality show she portrayed herself as Priyanka Chopra. With this popular crown 20-year-old Rishita finally announced her arrival into the glam world and is planning to make it big on the silver screen. Same is true for 15-year-old Sukanya Gupta, a talented singer from Rishi Nagar (near Rani Bagh), who is on song these days. This young girl has participated in a host of singing competitions including Sa-Re-Ga-Ma-Pa Little Champs and Sansui Antakshri. Adhar Mohla (DJ) from Punjabi Bagh and Mayank Anand (fusion player) from Janakpuri will also be in the big league quite soon.

In the field of academics, art and painting also, West Delhiites did not lag behind. Shalini Arora from East Punjabi Bagh became the recipient of prestigious BOLT (Broad Outlook Learner Teacher) award for here innovative software programs. Shalini is teaching Computer Science in DLDAV School, Shalimar Bagh. Sankha Samanta from Vikaspuri is known as the man who has made maximum number of stamps for Government of India. He has designed more than 1,000 philatelic items that include more than 250 postage stamps and 150 covers.

With 2008 all set to become history, it is perfect time to bid adieu to this passing year with a winning smile.