Flashback 2015: What went viral in India on social media

Also read: Flashback 2015: How I remember the year that was

Writers who choose to take a stand on the “growing intolerance” in India returned their awards in protest, only to be mocked and scorned. A harsh public and even other well established writers questioned their motives. Twitter went berserk with everyone rushing to add their two cents in.

And it wasn’t just the politicians spewing their hateful rhetoric and making dangerous, inflammatory comments on race, religion, minorities and women.

It was the ordinary people. The masses started speaking out in large numbers and their chosen way to do it was to lash out in outrage, anger and hatred was on social media, with anyone they disagreed with.

The systemic attacks by mobs of people were horrifying and disturbing. It was hard to not be depressed.  To be racked with hopelessness. To be filled with doubts.

Yet I have hope. When I recall some of the incidents of 2015, I saw kindness, reason, logic and humility and conciliation. During the Paris attacks, people opened to their doors to strangers to offer them shelter. Read more here.