Despite the Congress party’s success in denting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s majoritarian dreams in the Lok Sabha elections, 2024 is a year most Indians are relieved to leave behind. Marked by calamities and few consolations, it’s a year everyone hopes will not be repeated in 2025.
Among the few bright spots were examples of extraordinary courage. A. Sabeena, a nurse from Tamil Nadu, stands out for her heroism. She ziplined across the turbulent Chaliyar River in Wayanad, Kerala, to save 35 lives following a massive landslide that wiped out entire villages. Sabeena had seen footage of the devastation but was unprepared for the grim reality: bodies scattered, homes obliterated, and bridges destroyed. When no male nurses were available to cross the zipline built by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), she volunteered.
“I wanted to do what I could to help. Everybody has to join hands during disasters,” she said matter-of-factly. Videos of her bravery went viral, earning her the Kalpana Chawla Award for Bravery from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.
Dr. Madhav Gadgil, the scientist behind the seminal Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel report, was another hero of 2024. He was awarded the UN’s Champions of the Earth Award for his lifelong work in conservation and advocacy for marginalized communities. Gadgil’s 2021 report recommended declaring 75% of the Western Ghats—stretching across six states—an ecologically sensitive zone. However, the Kerala government rejected his recommendations, branding them anti-development. Politicians fueled anti-Gadgil sentiment, leading to rampant deforestation, illegal quarrying, and road construction—all contributing to the region’s landslide crises. At 82, Gadgil continues his advocacy, having founded India’s first biosphere reserve, the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, in 1986.
Equally remarkable is the resilience of Ritu Singh, a Dalit professor denied tenure at Delhi University’s Daulat Ram College in 2020. Singh claims her vocal advocacy for Dalit issues and opposition to RSS-backed upper-caste appointments cost her the position. Since her dismissal, Singh has protested outside the college gates, conducting classes on the Constitution and reading the Preamble to supporters. Her lawyer, Mehmood Pracha, poignantly described her plight in court, likening her to Eklavya, whose thumb was unjustly taken. Singh’s slogan, “Naukri nahi, nyay chahiye” (I demand justice, not a job), underscores her fight against systemic discrimination.
On the flip side are figures whose actions—or lack thereof—warrant scrutiny. Madhabi Puri Buch, chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), faced allegations of conflict of interest. US-based short-seller Hindenburg accused her and her husband of investments in offshore funds linked to the Adani Group, potentially explaining SEBI’s tepid investigation into the conglomerate’s alleged accounting fraud and market manipulation. Further claims about Buch retaining ICICI employee stock options during her tenure at SEBI and alleged ties to equity firm Greater Pacific Capital added fuel to the fire. Despite denying these allegations, her credibility suffered. A protest by SEBI staff demanding her resignation and her absence from a Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee hearing on October 24 only deepened the controversy.
Other government officials have also failed in their responsibilities. Union Minister for Road Transport Nitin Gadkari admitted during Parliament’s Question Hour that road accidents claim 1.78 lakh lives annually, with 60% of victims aged 18–34. Gadkari candidly acknowledged the need for societal change and stricter enforcement of laws but has yet to introduce measures to curb this epidemic. His remark about avoiding Delhi during winter due to “itna bhayankar” (terrible) air pollution drew attention to the deteriorating air quality affecting millions in the National Capital Region. Yet, Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav remains conspicuously silent on the issue. While BJP and Congress politicians blame each other, AAP’s Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai has repeatedly sought a joint meeting with Yadav, to no avail. Studies, including those by The Lancet, report air pollution-related deaths in India rising from 4.5 million to 7.3 million in the past decade, underscoring the urgent need for action.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, nicknamed the “derailment minister” by Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi, has similarly evaded accountability. Frequent accidents—from signal failures to derailments—have resulted in numerous deaths and injuries. While Vaishnaw blames Congress for instilling fear among railway passengers, eleven railway unions have pointed out safety violations and staff shortages as key contributors to accidents. Their calls for prioritizing rail track renewals and filling vacant safety positions remain unanswered.
As 2024 draws to a close, it’s clear that India’s heroes embody the resilience and courage needed to navigate crises, while its leaders must shoulder greater responsibility to ensure a better future. With hope as our compass, let’s work toward a brighter 2025.
Rashme Sehgal is an author and an independent journalist