This year, Indians were united in happiness and anger over a range of issues, from confusion and amusement at societal internet trends to jubilation at India’s global triumphs.
1. The year’s most viral moment
The winning phrase of the year was “Just looking like a wow!” by Jasmeen Kaur.
Kaur, who has had a clothing business in Delhi for almost 20 years, gained notoriety in October for her thorough explanations and enthusiastic endorsements of the styles she carried.
She frequently models the newest items in her shop to draw in potential consumers while promoting them on Instagram videos.
2. Orry is who?
Mystery man Orry eagerly tracked Kaur’s accomplishment on the internet. Who is this guy? When pictures of the young man standing with the top superstars in India started to circulate online in November, everyone sought an answer to this issue.
Orry made an attempt to describe his job in a now-viral interview with Cosmopolitan India: “I am working… However, I’m improving myself.”
He declared, “I am living, I am a liver,” in a different interview.
Orry eventually declared he didn’t want to be asked what he did for a career ever again as his responses kept people both confused and laughing.
3. Anger over a spoon
Prominent writer and philanthropist Sudha Murty caused a stir when she revealed that she always travels with her own food and utensils to prevent any unintentional cross-contamination with non-vegetarian cuisine.
The comments section of social media was split equally between her supporters and detractors. While her detractors argued her remarks were based on upper-caste Brahmanical sensitivities and the strict caste structure in India, her supporters maintained it was a question of personal choice.
4. When is too much work too much?
A few months later, Ms. Murty’s spouse, Indian software tycoon NR Narayana Murthy, became embroiled in a contentious controversy regarding remarks he made regarding the work ethic of his nation.
The industrialist had urged young Indians to put in 70 hours a week of work on a podcast. “Unless we improve our work productivity… we will not be able to compete with those countries that have made tremendous progress,” he stated.
Other business executives endorsed Mr. Murthy, stating that it was exactly what India’s expanding economy needed.
Retnamma and Thulasidharan, adorable grandparents from Kerala, became popular right away as they recreated a scene from the 2016 animated Disney picture Zootopia.
5. Congratulations… and rejoice!
In 2023, two joyous occasions captured the attention of social media users and brought the nation together.
The Elephant Whisperers, the first Indian documentary to win an Academy Award, was directed by Kartiki Gonsalves and produced by Guneet Monga, and it was their success that kicked off the year.
Bottom Line
Social media and television screens were flooded with images of people enjoying the occasion, both at the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) and elsewhere in the nation.
More than eight million people watched Isro’s broadcast of the landing at the same time on YouTube, breaking previous records for the platform.
