In 634 BCE, the mighty Romans feared that their city would be destroyed having believed in a myth surrounding eagles. The civilisation went on to exist for 12 centuries and never fell prey to natural destruction. Over the years, there have been several predictions (a ballpark figure would point at 180) from notable groups or individuals of when the world was, or is, forecast to end. The latest prediction is 21st December 2012.
This prediction has mainly risen because calculating time according to the Mayan calendar specifies the long count, that is 5,125 years, comes to an end on this date. While worldwide this prediction has been shunned, there is a definite curiosity among people to know their fate.
For a country of our size and our weaknesses, it becomes easily believable, what with TV channels using it as the right slot for increasing their viewership. This is especially true with vernacular channels, who have hyped up the topic with tsunami, hurricane, etc. and even showing scenes from Hollywood movies like Waterworld, War of the Worlds, Armageddon, among others to add to the panic. The huge population with its deficiencies in terms of basic education has a tough time to come in terms with the actual reality. The panic button largely being hit upon in the rural areas.
City Express takes a look at this prediction by asking a few scientists, astrologers, celebrities, musicians and even party organisers about the day and their take on what the fate of earth would be. The reactions were not shocking. Particularly considering that Bangalore as a city has come a long way in terms of awareness and it also seems that there is a huge confidence built on the scientific fraternity. The Saturday Punch surely reasserts the fact that all is well and life has time.