Satyagrahi AKA Suicide Bomber

I do not know how much Civil disobedience advocated by Thoreau was practiced in United States but it was very handy for Gandhi. Assumed courage made him iron gritted to fight a difficult war against British. The fundamental philosophy of Satyagrahi is practicing non violent means of resistance with an objective to defeat or frustrate unjust opponent. His methods were devised to convert not to coerce. Trying to stop a violent opponent is felt easier than resisting a nonviolent protester.

Since then time and again the weapon of peaceful resistance had been used as a most accepted way in this democratic India . The very resistance is called Gandhian way of fighting injustice. After decades of it's use and misuse it evidently changed it's face, the fine example being Chandrasekhar Rao in a bid to revive his lost political identity. His fast unto death with initial break and continuation with intravenous Seline and nutrients pumped in by top 30 doctors could sustain him for not more than 9 days ultimately proclaiming him to be under danger zone on 9th day. Incidental violence in University sent panic signals to the center and the map of Andhra pradesh has been redrawn in haste.

Parties who fought opportunistic politics during elections with a fond hope that Telangana will not materialize had their shock of life . The morning which broke with bifurcation news brought disgruntled leaders to the bitter reality of vastness of the problems separation causes. The tangles looked too many , with no solutions in sight. Too many resignations reflecting instant resentment cutting across the party lines came through, perplexing the Central government and Passions rose to the levels of violent protests, dharnas. Desperate outcry for unity surfaced in the minds of the coastal and Rayala Seema belts. The Central government having shaken the beehive with bear hands severely bitten with fierce separative forces all along the country. Taking beatings from the UPA members for unilateral decision Central government with a swollen head is yet to face the staunch unity advocates with a satisfactory answer.

The stalled activity in the state pushing it a decade backwards has another threat of being targeted by Telangana forces if shown the signs of withdrawal from the announcement made. Sometimes the best solution for a problem is withholding from taking a decision at all. That is what the government seems to be thinking of.

Scores of people sitting in tents fasting unto death do not seem to care for for life, may be with the knowledge that their life will be forcefully be protected , the precedence being set by Chandrasekhar Rao. For few it is careless throwing away of life in a environment where life comes cheap.No wonder South Asia produces maximum number of suicide bombers. Sometimes death fetches more value than life. Suicide bomber throws himself with a mission of blowing few more lives. Satyagrahi though doesn't intend to kill any one except himself obviously kills many around him and also far away by inciting emotions. To day's Satyagrahi intends to blackmail rather than sacrifice. My apologies to Mahatma Gandhi and Potti SreeRamulu and others who had loftier profiles.

The deceitful promises which the political class make during elections have no genuine intentions. Now it is a clear cut case of cheating . Still we can be rest assured the same political parties will make electoral gains leaving you and me wondering how they have been patronized despite their dubious credentials. People are too busy to notice them.To day shamefully there is a race for backwardness.( Quoting J.P). People depend too much on crumbs thrown to them than rightfully earning them.

My day full of gluing to the T.V. made me half the politician. I can clearly see what is happening. Fed with mega doses of minutest details through charged visuals my emotions too are messed up with. Should I abandon Idli and Dosa since Andhras brought them into? Month long promos prompt me to watch Arya 2. But should I deter from watching since the hero seemed to be some where connected to Chiranjeevi? Does the drainage in my street smells more than one in Vijayawada? If it is so why such a thing is happening to me? Does the money allocated to it's repair has been cannily diverted to dig a bore well in Gunturu?

My both legs strongly entrenched in both the lands I feel like a refugee in Lebanon tent not knowing what to do except eating and attending to calls of nature. Anxiety seem to be eating away some parts of inside of me leaving no chance for a poised demeanor.. Every one around are prominently looking with their native cards, a friend remains no more a friend. Where are you from? A question is posed with a suspicion. Should I refrain from speaking impeccable language ? Would it be right if I use one dialect? I was made to visit half a century before my birth with strange anecdotes of betrayals and back stabs. I feel like breaking the heads of people who speak of history ignoring my existence which itself is a history.

Thank you for bringing a beast out of me !!

Finally...

At last the State of Andhra Pradesh, the biggest in South India in terms of area and population is set to break. It is the time to celebrate for people with deep rooted desire for a separate statehood. It is honoring the sentiments of the people of the region. No matter what his credentials are Chandra Sekhar Rao did it. He is a hero of the moment.

It is a black day for people who reside in other parts of state. Starting from scratch is a huge task ahead of them.Capital dilemma keep them worried. Negotiations concerning asset sharing cast doubts and fears in the minds of every one concerned. The generations who grew up in united Andhra environment it is a shocker. The formation of small states is not a favorite game for Congress party. It is an uphill task a head of them to convince many to stay united. The Maoist threat which is looming large in small states with dense forest coverage could create law and order hardships for the administration. The more and more narrower regional interests would lead to polarization. On the brighter side of it, it is a country which is uniquely heterogeneous in character still remains united at times of crisis. May be all the credit goes to our Gods!!

High T

Way back in 1967 Hyderabad was displaying funny looking signboards with faulty Telugu spellings. Available roadside foods were neither heard nor eaten before by a visitor. Anabshahi grapes and Pulla Reddy sweets were favorite buys for many who visit Hyderabad on special occasions. The old structures were typically Mohammedan in architecture.. The effective drainage system, small dome type light rickshaws, double decker buses were part of tourist attractions. Sweat free Deccan plateau weather contrast to the sticky coastal breeze, and absence of pigs, were a major considerations to a prospective settler. Never you could expect a Idli or Dosa as breakfast item in hotels. Various versions of Kachori, samosa and Curry puffs were offered if you are inclined to order for a breakfast.Nawabi Hyderabad goes go to bed late and wakes up only when the sun turns on head. Hindi films topped the box office collections. Telugu films are exhibited in selective theaters. Rarely jokes were applauded. and actors identified. Obviously one has to speak Urdu mixed Hindi to negotiate a rickshaw or buy a grocery. Old timers of reminiscent cultures wore typical Shervani and Mukuhmal caps but looked very poised and pensive. Few colonies and areas were predominantly lived by Maharashtrians or Kannadigas other communities being Marwari, Sindhri, Gujaratis and Punjabis. Secunderabad had sizable Tamil population.

The rural Telangana districts wore a different look. Long stretches of barren lands interluded between towns. Very rarely rice or sugar cane crops were found. Water was scarce. Towns and villages were dry and houses were build with mud. A supposedly main bazar bore a scant commercial activity. Many vegetables were not available for major part of the year. Majority of the people spoke Telugu heavily influenced by Urdu. Old timers never know to read or write Telugu, since Urdu was the medium of instructions in schools. The festivals celebrated there were not known to the outsiders. The jewelery wore by women resembled Maharashtrian accessories . Long stretches of forests covered many districts of Telangana. Many people in the area were subjected to the high handed treatment by rich landlords and poor almost lived a life of servitude under their rich lords.

The nine districts of Telangana which were part of erstwhile Hyderabad State ruled by Nizam state merged with Andhra State in 1956 comprised of erstwhile Telugu speaking northern districts of composite Madras state to form a new State of Andra Pradesh on linguistic basis.

Hesitations and inhibitions marked the formation of Andhra Pradesh . The Communist led Telangana Vimukthi Poratam or Telugu literary moments held by illustrious figures of Telangana area have had a character of their own, but little known to the people outside Telangana. Legendary figures of the regions were not familiar to the Telugu people of other parts of the state. Their habits, culture with north Indian traits, and distinct slang were totally new to the people of other districts whose culture has strong south Indian flavor. Although Telugu spoken by the people of the region had a distinctive style and vocabulary, it was almost treated as of inferior quality. It was more or less like people of two different cultural backgrounds speaking the same language joined together to form one state.

More or less decade of amalgamation did not seem to have lifted the region from it's barrenness. Comparisons were drawn. Feeling of alienation fanned and fueled by the aspiring leaders, and hatred being pumped in.The year 1969 witnessed widespread separatist agitation fought by the students and intelligentsia only to be sabotaged by the politically motivated leaders of the same region.

Years passed. The state of Andhra Pradesh consolidated much to the disappointment of separatists. Younger generations grew up in new environment learning their entire curriculum in Telug medium. In the cultural front Telugu movies, and televisions started making a strong impact. Hyderabad turned a favorite destination for industries and health care. It offered ample employment opportunities for people from both the regions.Educational institutions have spurred. Real estate boom added hues to the flourishing Hyderabad.As the rural based state had few cities of good standing, and the sole destination for most conceivable projects happened to be Hyderabad. No wonder City of Hyderabad essentially heterogeneous in character and host of numerous people from various states attracted many from Andhra districts too. Investments rolled in. It became a hot destination for many industrialists from all parts of Andhra.

Mean while the language bonded the people in invisible ways. People from all corners of the state started to know about Telangana and it's culture. It came to be a natural and integral part of their statehood. The discrimination it experienced once waned away and cultures and ethos started blending. Few hitherto unrecognizable statues of Tank Bund acquired a permanent place in the younger hearts.People started getting to know each other more intensely. The children born and brought up in Hyderabad irrespective of their place of origin have essentially become Telanganites. Children of both the regions had the common celluloid heroes and favorite songs. They studied under one roof and shared common interests. They were one with each other until one politician woke up from slumber to tell them that they deserve a separate state. The underdevelopment of the region was high lighted with stark contrasts and make believe attempts were successful.

All of the backward regions in the country over decades hardly deserved a look by the ill conceived governments irrespective of their geographic location. As a matter of fact none of the regions were consciously developed by the governments.Few pockets of unplanned development invite stiff competition for the opportunities leaving a very small space for people to choose . It is the neglect of the regions which foster the ill feelings in the larger picture. The dissidents were able to drive the point home by roping accusations of stealing of water and resources on other regions.The underdevelopment of some coastal districts and chunk of Rayala Seema smoke screened by blatant allegations by the tricky manipulators. The adjoining districts to final straits of Godavari could have been drought stricken but for the barrage constructed in 1852 by a British Engineer Sir Arthur Cotton, which did not even called for a second look until it was damaged in 1987 floods. The changing dynamics turn fertile agricultural belts turn into less attractive option, leaving no edge to any region. In the immediate post independent era projects and factories were envisaged with viability options rather than regional considerations.Cotton era was much more Quixotic and he had a grand vision of joining all the major rivers of India( One tenth of his vision by the subsequent governments could have improved lives of millions) In present day India regional distribution was felt necessary though baneful to the national interest. Undoubtedly the holistic perspective of development is suffering in the hands of quick fixers.Our lack of astuteness in identifying the ensuing water problems will necessarily create antagonism between people in coming years.
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The agitation gathered momentum from the calculative Nirahara Diksha by a leader who can be attributed with the credit of sentiment arousal. The villages and semi urban areas are echoing with sentiments, uproar leading to self immolation. Hegemony over region's resources, and clamor for improving their living opportunities topped agenda. The moment might have been sparked with some motive, but at the end of the day it is reverberating with anguish and vehement decry from every section of the society. When the desire for freedom and self rule is so expressively let out by every one, right from the child to ninety year old it is a moral binding on every one in the government to look into the matter with seriousness. Guns can never ensure eternal peace. Cordial relations with hidden bitterness in the heart can not make people bind together forever. The feeling of guilt which is necessarily visiting every person in other regions for no apparent fault of theirs does not make them brave. Obviously they have tough task of building new capital, projects, infrastructure a head. Lot of uncertainty is ahead of them. Take a lesson that concentration of every possible skill, infrastructure, and industry in one place can make you vulnerable.

Potato Chips To Copenhagen

The moment I opened my chips packet eagerly I felt terribly disappointed and and grew angry with the kind of stuff that was present. They were quite few, countable, still not enough for a scorn, with the pricing limitations and affordability in India. But they were shapeless, slender and curly and looked as malnourished as Indians,but also unpardonably charred and unevenly fried. The chips sold by a small time trader being so pathetic is understandable, but the very fact that they are delivered by multinational giant, makes the things worse. The quality of the potato is poor. But the blame cannot be entirely transferred to the company since they depend on locally grown potatoes. The much acclaimed and insisted "Atlantic" variety doesn't seem to be good enough to produce quality potato for chip making in the Indian environment. But what happened to the quality of preparation ? Are the charred deemed to be the favorites of Indians? Or the callousness with which they are prepared is conspicuous ? Or is it a xenophobic suggestion that Indians don't deserve a quality stuff?

The vegetables and fruits that are to be consumed by people in developed countries are graded as per their colour shape, size, and texture and nonconformity with the standards are met with rejection. On an average 40% of the produce goes down the drain failing to meet high specifications set.. As Indians we do not have the system of grading as far as produce is concerned and honestly with regard to any other merchandise also.Fruits and vegetables appear in all forms and shapes. Some times the markets are flooded with substandard vegetables and fruits and the reasons quoted are either intense down pours or continued dry spells. Yes these things go down very well with us. But I feel terribly hurt to watch ill shaped imported apples at the corporate "Fresh" retail outlets. (careful look at Chinese apples is requested) No wonder the best were picked and packed for the developed world, and rest were not going down the drain , but are traveling all the way to the third world countries.But they are not sold cheap.They carry exorbitant price tag of Rs 30/- or 35/- each. The corporates are either involved in unethical trading by pasting imported stickers by buying at throwaway prices or they are being dumped into our grounds with the knowledge that we are indifferent to quality. The domestic growers fallow the suit. The best are picked for exports and the remaining second rate produce is flooding the market. A baffling citation "Export Quality" acquaints you to a grim fact that a domestic consumer doesn't qualify for a quality product.Because we don't reject them like a skeptical importer.

Now or never Copenhagen intends fight an invisible enemy with the most pollutant countries on board with talks of "Caps" and "Emission Credits" which look most unattractive to the underdeveloped world. A mild trace of prosperity after a long haul of excruciating poverty of life times make huge sense to the teeming millions. But they tasted it when the world is crumbling with green house gasses taking 50% contributions from developed nations. The expensive green house technologies can crush them to death. There is no way that their factories and production at the primal stages would confirm to the regulations and their cars with lenient pollution checks and worst regulations could emit less. They score on low wastage. Hardly before their emissions could reach 2 tonnes per person in contrast to the 11 to 20 tonnes of the G8, they are made to stop and look. This can be end to their growth story. The extravagant life styles in some parts of the world comes back in the form of penalty to the remnant mankind.
It is very much akin to some one sitting on stock pile of nuclear arms trying to yell at some one going nuclear.

Yet with all the tribulations yet no one can really ignore impending climatic changes. Agonizing reality of vanishing vital constituents of nature is alarming. It may not be long enough, before the befalling catastrophes will actualize in front of our eyes. Even if we take the middle way between "alarmists" and "deniers" we are not very far from natural resource crunch.It is no imagination, we already began experiencing it. Unabated destruction and up beet misuse cannot sustain forever. Despite tirades and gripes against the benefactors of excessive use, we need to pin the problem before it is too late. China with much lesser per head emissions than US , could still be the largest pollutant in a given demographic situation. Over 2 tonnes emissions per person among one billion Indians could well turn out to be disastrous. So keeping aside the vehement denials for political reasons and acting responsibly is the need of the hour. After all no body in this planet wants to die so soon.