As we step into the millennium's 07 phase and look at the shape 06 contours will take, it evokes a mixed feeling - but of less hope and more despair. 07 surely won't be a dramatically different year than those that are now tucked in history. There would be those problems we have been grappling with and, in many instances, we would be hoping against hope that we surmount these critical detriments to reach the promised land.

At the world level, global warming, AIDS, threats of further proliferation, terrorism and low-intensity wars like those being waged in Iraq and Gaza, besides others, will certainly persist to make the new year as dismal as any of the past years. We can only entertain false hopes that the self-locked country administrations would do what they have never done to save the situations from further deterioration.

At the country level, it's difficult to visualize a rosy scenario despite the hype over the emergence as the second-fastest growing economy. India has more to worry from its societal configurations than factors affecting its economy. The ULFA killings at the year's outset, the Nandigram clash, the Singur face-off and in some remote way the grisly Nithari episode are a prelude to social troubles that can knock India out from its positive tangents. Most woefully, there are no comforting signs of change in the country's top-tier destiny controllers called politicians. In fact, many of the political bums have gained in stature and strength, which translates into more power for grater damage.

So watch out in 07. Don't under-read the early warnings that have come from Assam and a little differently from Nithari. Because only hope can keep us going, let's hope for best!