Osmania 1969 STIR REVISITED... 3
SPECIAL EDITION ON TELANGANA
Courier CELEBRATION OF CULTURE... 5
Lab newspaper published by the Department of Communication & Journalism, Osmania University, Hyderabad | October 21, 2013 | Vol. 59 No.2 | 8 Pages Rs. 5
q rkq^kdiba OU students lead struggle, realise dream
Courier Bureau
Changed equations However, the year 2013 is turning out to be different with changed political equations and compulsions, and the government had to
Osmania Courier salutes martyrs
boys and girls turned singers while the ‘think-tank’ came up with innovative forms of protests, and youth staged ‘Dhoom
Dhams’, the song-and-dance celebration spanning months and going late into nights. Women and men participated in ‘Vanta Varpu,’ where a stretch of hundred kilometres of road was used for cooking and dining, and human chains snaked for hundreds of kilometres. JACs Thousands of Joint Action Committees (JACs), all under the aegis one JAC, were formed to an extent that a JAC was present in each district, each village in addition to JACs for bankers, lawyers, miners, auto-drivers, pharmacists, doctors, engineers, lecturers, students, and so on. Also, the stir was fuelled by several student organisations affiliated to different political par-
Non-violent Recent history indicates that the Arab Spring, which started in Tunisia and spread to Egypt, Yemen, Libya and Bahrain, was mostly led by youth. In this case, though international developments such as the US-led ‘war on terror’, the f-ailure to resolve Israel-Palestinian conflict are cited as outside influences, home grown causes cannot be brushed aside. Most of the Arab countries have high rates of unemployment despite the state model of development and crony capitalism. In Egypt, those from the lowest strata earned less than two dollars a day while a few amassed wealth. Telangana youth also took to the streets due to unemployment and alleged discrimination in recruitment practices. The response of the state has been piecemeal through some orders that were observed more in breach. The T stir was by and large in sync with the Gandhian path of non-violence, while movements in the Arab world turned violent.
party lines from different parts of Telangana region. In this hour of jubilation, Courier commends the determined struggle of poets, intellectuals, writers, farmers, doctors, lawyers, journalists, employees, gazetted and nongazetted, the young and the old, the silent workers and those who openly participated in the struggle to realise the
dreams of the four crore people of Telangana. The students of MCJ who were fortunate to be a part of this historic moment, seized the initiative to work on this special edition. They took their first steps into the world of journalism meeting scores of people, making umpteen calls to ferret out information. They succeeded in some cases
and also met with half success in the news gathering exercise. This special issue would not have been possible without the contribution of the students. Some news reports could appear to have certain gaps or may have certain omissions, which is not deliberate or intentional. Courier compliments the youngsters for their efforts.
Photo: Varma
The decision to carve out a separate Telangana state and the Cabinet note is a major victory for the students of Osmania University, who have spearheaded the fouryear-old agitation. The University students, who turned the campus into a nerve centre for strategising and setting the agenda for the political parties and the government, had to bear the brunt of the law and order machinery. But the bitter moments, the pitched battles with police, braving the lathis and stone-pelting, the harrowing times in jail, and the anxiety --- all paled into insignificance on July 30 when students burst into song-anddance in front of Arts College on hearing the news of Congress’ decision. The burning embers of discontent among the Telangana youth and the demand for a separate state has its genesis in the formation of Andhra Pradesh in 1956, following the recommendations of the first States Reorganisation Commission. Discrimination, exploitation, backwardness, neglect by successive governments, inequitable distribution of resources, broken promises and corruption exploded in the face of the rulers at the Centre and the State for the first time in 1969, but that was astutely managed by the power centres.
ties and social groups. Call it by any name socio-political awakening, ‘T’-agitation, protest movement, struggle for self-respect and so on, students were instrumental in sustaining the movement, thereby catapulting it to the league of major international student movements. There are a few common threads that bind the recent student-led Telangana movement with other movements in different parts of the world.
OSMANIA UNIVERSITY: Fountainhead of political movements undo a “historical wrong”. The Telangana movement saw leaders cutting across all political parties Congress, the right-wing BJP, the left-wing Communist Parties a ll converging onto a single platform for one cause. Also, it united people from all walks of life, be it farmers, lawyers, auto drivers, fruit vendors, or businessmen, for the same cause. Writers, poets, intellectuals were spurred into writing hundreds of books, thousands of songs, and quite a few movies. Young men and women were suddenly seen on huge makeshift stages addressing massive audiences for the first time. School-going children, ordinary
Courier, through this special edition, would like to pay tributes to the Telangana martyrs. Courier salutes all the students who have been jailed and those who continue to languish in jail with several cases slapped against them. Also, a special word of acknowledgement of the student leaders, student activists, joint action committees, cutting across
The year 2013 was different with changed political equations and compulsions and the government had to undo a “historical wrong”
Osmania Courier October 21, 2013
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Osmania Courier Registered with the Registrar of Newspapers for India (RNI) under No. 8132/62. Reported and edited by the students of the Department of Communication & Journalism, Osmania University. Published bimonthly except during vacation. News and views expressed in the newspaper do not necessarily represent the official view of the University. __________ Reporting Team Fatima Raheem Pranita Jonnalagedda Vaishnavi Soumya R Syeda Zahara Jabeen Srinivas Takore Naveen Kumar Vaitla Mohammed Azharuddin Suman Dhayal Copy Editor Sneha Verghese Photo Research Srinivas Takore Editor Prof. B. Balaswamy, Head, Dept. of Communication & Journalism. Associate Editor Prof. K. Stevenson Assistant Editor
EDITOR SPEAKS
Welcome historic decision A
long cherished dream of the people of Telangana has come to be a reality. The decision of Centre to create Telangana state with 10 districts and Hyderabad as its capital City is remarkable and commendable. Right from the inception of the integrated state of Andhra Pradesh, people of this region have not been happy as their resources became subject to rampant exploitation without concern for their development. The very title of the first linguistic state did not reflect the common language, but it reflected parochially the identity of a race – the Andhra race. Politically, leaders from the Telangana region occupied the Chief Minister position for a very short period, compared to the duration of the position held by leaders from coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema. Culturally, Seemandhra people could not own the Telangana culture as their culture, the common cultural wealth. September17th, the Telangana Emancipation day, was never celebrated in the entire state. Seemandhra people also did not take part in Bathukamma and Bonalu festivals. The accent of the region was used hilariously in the films. Though the Telangana and Seemandhra people lived together in a single state, the hearts never became one and the differences and discriminations continued. All sections of the society believed that only a separate state of Telangana can protect their self respect, cultural identity and development through self rule. The movement that started for the development and self respect of the people, has witnessed many ups and downs. In the long journey for a new state the people of Telangana never gave up their hope, perseverance and
Agenda for T-education
B. Ramakrishna Printer Director, University Press & Publications. ________________ FORM IV The following is the statement of ownership and other particulars about Osmania Courier as required under the Registration of Newspapers (Central Rules), 1956. Place of Publication: Hyderabad Periodicity of Publication: Bimonthly (except during vacation) Printer: Director, University Press & Publications, O.U. Editor: Prof. B. Balaswamy Names and addresses of individuals, partners and shareholders holding more than one per cent of the total capital: Osmania University, Hyderabad 500 007. I hereby declare that the particulars given above are true to the best of my knowledge and belief. – Editor
determination. Different sections of people fought together. One section complemented another. Like in India’s freedom struggle, in Telangana movement also different sections of people played distinct roles. The intellectuals ignited the movement through their books, research papers, articles and speeches. The poets and artistes inspired and motivated people through their songs, poems and cultural programmes. The advocates instilled confidence and provided fighting spirit. The journalists gave expression to the popular feelings and aspirations. The employees did not care even personal losses and remained in the fore front. The engineers could explain the water and technical issues. The student community has been unanimously providing energy to the movement. The political leaders could bridge the gap between people and the central government. Sakala janulu unitedly fought to make their dream of their own state, Telangana state, a reality. No doubt it is time for jubilation but people need to be vigilant till the State is created as there are “forces” trying hard to hinder the process. Besides, at every stage there is need to safeguard the interests of the region and that they are not diluted in the cabinet note or in the proposed Bill All sections of the society, which fought for the new state need to sustain the momentum to see/ ensure that there will no more farmers’ suicides in the new state and justice and equal opportunities will prevail to all sections. Several challenges need to be addressed. It is now left to all those who worked for carving of the separate State to sink all the differences and unitedly shoulder the responsibility of reconstructing Telangana where each one holds his head high.
Fatima Raheem
for education at various levels, integrate the fresh initiatives with the existing programmes. he education sector in the Telangana State has quite a few chalAdequate fund allocation at the primary, secondary and tertiary lenges to tackle, to be on par with the educational standards in levels is a must The number of schools particularly government the developed States, and the products are globally competitive. schools should be increased with English as a medium of instruction That the Telangana region suffered from educational backwardness to prepare for tough job market opportunities and to reap the benefits was pointed out in the Justice Sri Krishna Commission’s report makes of globalisation. There should be planned changes in the way primary it all the more imperative to have a schools function. Areas of improvement roadmap with clearly set out achievable should be identified and best effective What’s needed urgently is to act objectives instead of indulging in rhetoric practices should be highlighted. on the already identified areas by and blaming the rulers of yester years. Recruitment of teachers should be done The report says that after the formation on large scale keeping in mind the interbringing about system changes at estsa of of Andhra Pradesh in 1956, Telangana has students. Reservations and reimbeen fast catching up certainly in other different levels, increase the outlay bursement schemes should be updated areas but not in education. For instance, from time to time so that income levels for education at various levels, literacy rate in the state in 2001 was 60 shall never be a burden on poor and backper cent. The break-up was 58 per cent for integrate the fresh initiatives with ward students and this will automatically Telangana, 63 per cent in Andhra and 60 lead to a decline in the percentage of the existing programmes per cent in Rayalaseema. But, excluding drop-out levels in high schools and colHyderabad city, the literacy of Telangana leges as well. Mid day meal scheme was just 55 per cent. should be revived to increase the enroll“In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for higher ment of students. More government colleges should be set up in backeducation in Telangana because of the fee reimbursement schemes ward regions. which is aiding this process. Thus, despite the high drop-out levels, Radical changes are needed in the higher education sector to equip students are going to high schools and colleges in increasing numbers. students with technical, soft and critical thinking skills. Institutes of The number of high schools there have been soaring since 1971, ahead higher learning should be places for free flow of ideas, innovation and of Andhra and Seema regions.” experimentation. The sector should be free from under prepared faculty The Committee also observed that Osmania and Kakatiya Univer- which is an obstacle to innovation and improvement. sities have large number of students from poor and downtrodden secEfforts should be made to build good rapport between teachers and tions, most of whom are first generation candidates. They have high the students to empower students and strengthen the value system. aspirations but are frustrated not finding good opportunities. They are Curricular changes, fora for discussions will go a long way in plugat the forefront of the movement. ging the lacunae in this sector. Private sector should be encouraged This situation may not be due to any discrimination but because of to the extent that it adheres to an inclusive policy and does not become lack of proper training. Providing for that will have positive impact a commercially exploitative mechanism. on them, the committee said. No system can be efficient if there is a faulty delivery mechanism. What’s needed urgently is to act on the already identified areas by To ensure that a sound delivery mechanism is functional, an oversight bringing about system changes at different levels, increase the outlay institution would do a lot of good.
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Osmania Courier revisits the 1969 agitation and brings back dark memories
he announcement to create the 29th state in India, made on 30th July, 2013, brings with it the end of a long battle that started in between 1968 and 1969. That year, the state saw the death of 379 people, most of them students. Pranita Jonnalagedda digs deep into history to give an account of the political events connected to the demand for a separate Telangana State and reminisces the experiences of people who lived through those momentous days. History records that the princely state of Hyderabad, located in the heart of Telangana region was the last to merge with the Indian Union. Even though people from the Telangana, 'mulkis' as they were called, were against the merger due to various reasons, they were pacified by a 'Gentlemen's Agreement' which was made between leaders of the the two regions in 1956. The agreement promised to 'safeguard' the interests of the native residents of Telangana as well as to provide reservation for the local people in government jobs. However, the violation of the agreement's terms and conditions by the non-mulkis led to the first revolt that began in 1968 the Telangana Safeguards Movement. Students from various col- CONTEMPLATINGSTRATEGY: Telangana activists stopped while taking out a rally. leges in the region fiercely Inset: Bommireddy Pulla Reddy, a veteran of 1969 agitation as President of the Arts College Student Union, passed away recently. spearheaded this movement. It was in January 1969, after a Desam Party), formed the Telan- spite their attempts to reach out to Chronicle and Andhra Bhoomi - times, there were shoot at sight meeting of five days, that the stu- gana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), that the masses,” he adds. which reported the events. Today, orders and many innocent people dents decided that only a separate a new phase of the movement He says, “The first sparks of there is a whole set of media lost their lives. "People faced tear Telangana state could be the so- was born. After a series of twists agitation were always ignited in houses that has kept the move- gas attacks, open gun fire, rubber lution to the injustice meted out and turns in electoral politics, an- Warangal which then reached ment and the agitators in the spot- bullets and what not", says P. to them. other intense movement began in Hyderabad and engulfed the en- light.” Dev Kumar, who was a Suryanarayana, Vice President of At this juncture, Pratap Kishore, 2009 after KCR announced a tire region. It is the same even student of class 10 in Warangal in Students Union, OU College of the then editor of Deccan Chronicle fast-unto-death for the cause of now. Warangal is like a hotbed for 1969, says, “What we read in the Engineering, in 1969. suggested that a political party be Telangana. the entire Telangana movement.” newspapers or heard on the radio Another activist, giving a formed to voice their stance. Thus, The struggle for Telangana with Also, the directives of the State was completely in contrast to graphic account of the rubber bulthe Telangana Praja Samithi (TPS) a six decade old history can be di- Human Rights Commission bar- what was happening in front of lets used then, says that the bullet was founded. The party contested vided into two phases with stark ring police from entering the cam- our eyes. There were no reports of which pierced the person would in the 1971 elections and won a differences - the 1968 agitation and pus had a salutory effect on the the strikes or of the curfews. make a small hole while entering whopping 11 out of 13 seats in the the successful 2009 agitation. police. “The Supreme Court's rul- Today, the media has supported the body, but would come out of Telangana region. The party's sucing that police forces shouldn't the agitators in a major way.” the body causing a gaping hole cess fuelled a fresh furore and an Student-led enter the campus could have been and irreparable damage to organs. uproar for a separate state resur- “The Telangana movement has a reason why there was less vio- Education takes a beating He further points out that "One faced among the Telanganites. always been planned, led and ex- lence. There were no casualties this Mr. Kumar adds that, “We lost thing for sure is greater democraBut Marri ecuted by students. It was the time," says another reliable source. one academic year. Our batch was tization and sensitization in the Chenna Reddy, same then and it is the same now. “Another reason could be the a unique one as we studied only society now. There was no firing the party's key However, the difference is that peace committees that were one year of the Intermediate by the police even in the most leader was conwe always hit the roads to agitate, formed, this time by teachers, to (which is a course of two years)". provocative situations. But the vinced by the spoke to people and mobilised establish rapport between the po- Concurring with this view, Dr. only disturbing trend this time is then Prime Mincrowds to support us. Defying the lice and students. There were Chiranjeevi talks of the mass- the suicides. We never saw anyister, Indira M.Chenna Government's orders was a part other committees, as well, that copying and liberal corrections thing like this in our time. Gandhi, to merge Reddy of our protest,” says Dr. Chiran- ensured less violence during the that were witnessed then. “An enThere were no curfews this TPS with the Congress. Eventu- jeevi, an ex-student of the movement,” adds the source. tire academic loss was there any- time but just Section 144 was imally, the momentum that had gar- Kakatiya Medical College, who how. But the sad thing was that posed on some occasions.” nered, slowly receded and the played a key role in the 1969 'T' Media advantage the lenient evaluation of papers Telangana Political JAC Chairdemand for a separate state went agitation. Dr. M. Sridhar Reddy Making another distinction, Chi- affected students who had put in man, Kodanda Ram reflects upon into a sabbatical. who was active in Osmania Uni- ranjeevi says, “The agitation genuine efforts,” he says. the same and recalls an incident, in It was later, after a lapse of versity, floated a rival group today has the advantage of the People who were witness to the May 1969, two rallies were nearly three decades, in 2001, within the TPS. media. We did not have media 1969 agitation confide that cur- planned from Charminar and Seafter K. Chandrasekhar Rao “This time, however, students support then. There were only fews were imposed for long periContinued on Page 8 (KCR) (who quit the Telugu were restricted to the campus de- two newspapers - the Deccan ods. It was scary to move out. At
Osmania Courier October 21, 2013
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Whither media?
Verbatim Media played no role in the success of Telangana agitation leading to the announcement. The stir was a success due to the people. The print and electronic media injected a neagtive image of the stir into the society. Back in the 1990s when the agitation flared up, the Eenadu newspaper did not even address it because of its vested interest in the united state. When the union home minister Mr. Chidambaram made his statement on the Telangana issue in 2009, all TV channels ganged up against the Telangana issue and the agitation was sensationialsed and criminalized. Arts College was shown as a battleground of agitation. This happened mainly because the ownership of media is in the hands of big businessmen from coastal Andhra where the TV channels have stopped reflecting the public opinion and started projecting their own interests. Media has played a biased role and they shouldn’t be given any credit. Dr. R. Akhileshwari, Senior Journalist and Academician
Opinion seems to be heavily in favour of the notion that the media - mainstream newspapers, radio, television, social media and mobile phones provided the impetus to the recent T-stir eversince K. Chandrashekar Rao, the President of the Telangana Rashtra Samithi, undertook his fast in December 2009. Observers feel that not a single day has passed without any media coverage on the Telangana issue since late 2009. An old timer says that Osmania University students have a long history of articulating their grievances. Students aired their views, political stance, scandals and grievances through the wall posters prominently displayed in front of the colleges. Later, with the zonalisation of the Telugu newspapers and the phenomenon of stringer network made things easier for leaders to reach a wider audience through newspapers. The advent of several television channels changed the entire scenario, especially when the movement was at its peak. Television crews, OB vans, photographers and a battery of newsmen would converge in front of the Arts college fully geared to cover events and take bytes. “When nothing else is happening in the city and the State, how can we miss such a big story on campus says a television journalist who has covered the agitation on campus.” While there were instances of assaults on media personnel and burning of vehicles, students reacted strongly and said that it was a “ploy of the police in mufti” to blame the students. In fact, some students admit that the equipment was damaged in a few cases to prevent any video footage being used as evidence against them. Social Media Taking a cue from their counterparts during the Arab spring, the social media was effectively used to spread messages and mobilise people for the agitation. Students and leaders of the joint action committees used Facebook, Twitter and mobile phones to organise various activities. For instance, on 26 November 2010, over 500 people participated in a 10k run was organised at Necklace road by M. KrishankSpokesman, OUJAC who used
Facebook. Police put him in in Cherlapally jail as the event had a major impact on the protestors. The police tracked the net activities of prominent student leaders before the announcement on Telangana, says Krishank who was interviewed by Tehelka on Skype. Rallies, protests and dharnas which were not disclosed in the media were confined to blogs with huge following. "Telangana Netizens” a community was floated on Facebook and Twitter for people across borders to express their concerns, views and suggestions. Online discussions were on even as the national media had a slot on Telangana while several videos were uploaded on Youtube, says a net activist. Films Not lagging behind film makers from Telangana region, came up with a rush of movies. First to hit the theatres was Jai Bolo Telangana (2011) with liberal footage of the agitation from the electronic media captured the imagination of the masses. The movie had that extra zing as K.Chandrashekar Rao, the president of the Telangana Rasthra Samithi lent his voice for a song. Also, the film saw a couple of student leaders making their appearance. Jai Bolo Telangana documented the history of Telangana and its struggle for statehood. Directed by noted film maker, N. Shankar with Jagapathi Babu in the lead role, the film won five Andhra Pradesh state Nandi awards and a Sarojini Devi award for a film on national integration. N.Shankar, said “My movies were influenced by the region and my experiences. In future, the bifurcation doesn’t affect and we will come up with a blend of human values, love, culture and festivals -- Bonalu, Bathukamma, etc. through nice stories and entertainment without hero domination.” (With inputs from Vaishnavi Soumya Rachapudi, Shahnaz Begum, Sirisha Pinapati and Suman Dhayal)
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Perhaps it’s the first time in the State that media like other sections is vertically split over Telangana issue. Though media gave a fillip to the T-stir initially, due to huge turnout at public meetings, rallies and other programme and the issues involved, there was change in its attitude after the Central government took a decision in 2009 and in 2013. Media split regionwise. Media houses owned by T-managements backed Telangana and those owned by Seemandhra people were against the bifurcation besides doling out halfbaked, distorted and misleading stories to whip up emotions. A section of media tried to fan trouble and create anarchy. Instead of taking a balanced view and presenting facts, a section of media went overboard and presented biased reports of a particular region. C.R. Gowri Shankar, Political Editor, Deccan Chronicle In a way media influenced political parties and leaders to take a firm stand. In my view if credit is be given, it should go to the students, followed by media, political compulsions of political leaders and the least to political parties. R. Ravikanth Reddy, Deputy City Editor, The Hindu There was long gap after the 1969 movement and the agitation was almost silent till 2004. In spite of the strong protests of 1969 the state was not bifurcated, the major reason being the absence of visual media. Comparatively, the recent agitation was peaceful and the coverage of issues by the media played a major role in the success of agitation. Live and 24x7 news coverage of what was happening in and around the Arts College evoked emotions of the people and made them understand the seriousness of the agitation. Visual media played a major role by recording every statement given by the activists and making the public aware of what was happening. Rajnikanth, Senior Journalist TV9 Media has played a biased role in the Telangana agitation by portraying it in a violent way, while in reality it was peaceful in nature. The main reason behind this is the ownership of major media houses by individuals of Andhra region. False reports of attacks on the Seemandhra people in Hyderabad, made public panic in the Seemandhra region. This led them to raise slogans against the Telangana movement. The agitation was healthy and peaceful but the TV channels portrayed it otherwise. Though they covered most aspects of the agitation, it was done only for increasing their TRP ratings, but not to spur the agitation. They did not provide a point of view for the viewers to think upon. K. Ram Karan, Senior Journalist, I News Vernacularisation of news and politics was responsible for the success of the Telangana movement. In 1969, the media was not as active as it is today.There were only a handful of journalists from Andhra region who failed to understand the main motto of the agitation. But after globalization in 1991, the education and vernacularisation of politics and news made the educated individuals from Telangana join the media. Telangana journalists from 1999 to 2013 (which is considered as the second epoch of the agitation) helped spread news on Telangana to every corner and nook of the country. They were successful in creating greater awareness and educating people on the real causes of the Telangana issue. This has led to the success of the Telangana movement. Jinka Nagaraju, Senior Journalist, Times of India.
As told to Vaishnavi Soumya Rachapudi
Osmania Courier October 21, 2013
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Celebration of culture
‘T’ food gutsy and hot Pranita Jonnalagedda
Syeda Zahara Jabeen and Srinivas Takore
F
ood is a social practice in many cultures and eating is, preferably, a social activity. Culinary skills and choices often reflect social and personal identity. Similar practices and shared values regarding food -- the ingredients considered edible, the method of preparation, and the conditions of food consumption and feasting -- assist in the creation of a relatively homogenous community, or social group. Andhra Pradesh cuisine is known for its gutsy food and the Telangana region's delicacies, especially, stand out as being hot and oh-so-spicy. Telangana's cuisine is unique in terms of flavours - while the native tastes are obviously here, the influence of the Nizams cannot be forgotten. Such is the love for the food here that the Telangana Sambaralu Festival held at Nizam College Grounds, saw 20,000 visitors a day, sampling hundreds of Telangana dishes. Osmania Courier caught up with some enterprising individuals who have been serving up the palate of the Telanganites despite stiff competition in the food industry from McDonalds, KFCs, Pizza Hut and a host of others who have made Hyderabad their home. Sri Devi Swagruha Foods at Nacharam is one of the oldest Telnagana food joints in Hyderabad. Starting as a modest home-run business by 65-year-old Savithri Devi, the outlet has become a booming business that has upto 30 employees working to complete the hordes of orders they receive everyday. Distinguishing the T flavour from the Andhra food, Renuka, daughter-in-law of Savithri Devi says, “Sesame is a key ingredient in most of the food here. In Coastal Andhra food, they prefer to use it less as they consider it
Songs of life
heaty." As she dishes out tasty sakkinalu, ariselu, kajalu, nuvvula laddu and more lipsmacking savouries, she adds, "We receive orders from abroad as well. Our prices range anywhere between Rs. 200 - 250 per kg." Savithri Devi is hesitant to speak to but ensures that a bag of savouries is handed over for me to take home. The Vijay Curry Point, the next stop at Ramnagar, proved to be a shock of sorts. In a room of around 7x6, 13 people worked uninterruptedly. Ratna Kumari, the lady in-charge says,"We are very busy most of the time. We are continuously working as we have a huge rush at peak hours." Chicken Fry, boti, gunde kayalu, chicken liver, goat liver, egg fry are just a small part of what they sell at their place. "The Telangana food is very spicy and the varieties in non-vegetarian are many. People generally visit us for these meat specialities.”
Tucked away at a humble colony behind Indira Park is Pramada's Sweets, Hots and Pickles, probably one of the most popular Telangana food outlet in Hyderabad. Run by R. Pramada Reddy, a 50 year old from Khammam, the shop is located at the bottom of her house. Pramada explains how the Andhra and Telangana food can be differentiated, "In Andhra pickles, oil isn't boiled. But in our pickels, it is a must." She adds that Andhra food has less masala, “The masala we use is distinct. The same taste is not possible in Andhra.” But what all of them say about the effect of the Telangana agitation on their business is the same. "Yes. The agitation has brought the feeling of Telangana and so, more people have come to us for the authentic T flavour. However, we do this out of love for cooking and not for the business. Money comes and goes, satisfaction is what matters."
A major hall mark of the Telangana agitation has been the celebration of culture, a culture which people were no longer ashamed to showcase or be embarrassed about. The Telanganitess definitely passed through a phase of cultural revivalism, a renaissance during the protracted agitation. Cultural vehicles of Telangana, which included songs, dances, festivals occasions, were at their creative best during the Telangana agitation.Telangana has long history of ballads that carried political and social messages to all strata of the society. Even today, young boys and girls in our villages create a tune on the spur and most songs are about our lives, our struggles, our economic conditions. Spearheading this cultural tradition were several organisations but one name which comes to mind is Gaddar, the balladeer who came out of hiding in 1990 joined the mainstream. In his book, Dr. Prabhanjan Kumar Yadav, currently faculty at the Siddipet PG Centre and one who did his M.Phil on Gaddar and his songs says in his book: “Gaddar's songs have a rebellious streak in them.” For instance, his ‘Bandenakaversion of BandiKatti’ (One cart after another) moves almost every Telangana or Telugu person It is about fighting for one’s place against a superior force or authority. It is the cry of a common Telangana person for many centuries now. The themes and issues chosen are from the grass roots and the catchy tunes strike an immediate chord among the people, Dr. Yadav adds. Gaddar is considered to have brought about a rural awakening through his songs
criss crossing villages and towns. Though he is a communist, and though communists were antiseparation for a long time, Gaddar stood for separate Telangana and his message is not easily lost on Telanganites. He formed the Telangana Praja Front and his comments on the current movement are taken seriously. According to him, only people of the weaker section have the abilities and potentialities to communicate in the cultural ethos of the masses. He wears a dhoti, a shawl and no shirt. His dress symbolises the shepherd’s dressing. Today, one can see singers in Gaddar attire and stage histrionics singing political, economic and social messages, inspiring millions aroulnd Telangana through songs like ‘amaraveerulakujohaar’, dedicated to martyrs. Young girls sing the songs of deprivation, wretchedness, the pitiable plight of Telangana people. The songs move anyone who understands them, bring tears , and makes one break into a song and dance. Other names which crop up are that of Vimalakka, Rajanna, etc Songs endorsing a separate State echoed in villages and towns, in buses, in autos, at tea stalls. Teachers, school going children, college professors, rickshaw pullers, bankers, administrators, and people of all ages listened to these songs touching socio-political , economic issues and were laden with meaning. Generation Y switches to the dancing mode on hearing these catchy tunes and are not ashamed of them. On the other hand, Jagruti President K.Kavitha, mobilized stage to folk women Bathukamma on myriad occasions on the Tank bund. Batukamma festival is celebrated before Dassera and involves women dancing around the “floral stack arranged in seven layers.”
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T stir stretches OU cops C
aught between the call for duty and the Supreme court directives not to enter the campus, the law and order machinery on campus was stretched to the limits during the three year Telangana agitation. Pitched battles between students and the police, frequent lathi charge, imposition of section 144, bursting of tear gas shells and firing in the air, saw the Court issue directives responding to-- an appeal. Policing the agitation was a challenge as it involved handling thousands of angry and emotionally charged students on campus. The events closely followed by the 4 crore people of Telangana would reverberate in other Universities, the entire state and the political scenario. Naveen Vaitla and Mohd Azharuddin spoke to cops and students and finds that the police gave themselves a clean chit on the ground that they performed their duty, students complain of high handed measures by the police. Assistant Commissioner of Police, East Zone, Ranjan Rathan said we have been trained for such circumstances. We faced problems as most student organisations would want to cross the gate at the Andhra Mahila Sabha and later the Y junction. Therefore, w e b l o c k e d Kachiguda ACP them on Ranjan Rathan the campus itself as we apprehended a threat to public properties. The situation would be tense when it came to shifting dead bodies to the hospital. On police preparedness to maintain law and order, Ranjan Rathan said we had to go without food, sleep, and suffer exhaustion but we adapted ourselves. Expressing his happiness on the announcement of Telangana, he said, that it was a nice feeling as people have been struggling for it since 1956,many members sacrificed their lives for it. “Even as police personnel, we are pained even when one student commits suicide. Students have a right to fight for their rights but not resort to extreme measures, he said and added that we conducted counselling sessions to students,” he revealed. Osmania University Circle inspector, P. Ashok said that all students agitations are critical. Thirty percent of the student groups are moderate while some resort to violence by raking up issues. “chalo assembly”, “sagaraharam”, “million march” were hard to control.
RTC staff elated Syeda Zahara Jabeen
When asked how he remained cool even under pressure from superiors and mistakes of his subordinates, he said, being calm has been my style of working . I had to stay cool because any minor mishandling of the student agitation would have led to escalation of violence. I had to execute instructions of superiors, supervise subordinate staff and coordinate the work of additional forces. Clarifying about State Human Rights Commission and the Supreme Court directives, he said, with regard to law and order no body can stop local police personnel from entering the campus. But coming with regard to deployment of additional forces, there is a Supreme court directive so we stationed the forces outside the campus. Stating that he was injured several times and even undergo a leg surgery. The former, CI Anjaiah and several of his staff were hurt but were restrained in handling students though 85 vehicles were damaged of which 35 belonged to the Road Transport corporation. Students would resort to agitation reacting to media reports which would come as a surprise. No false cases were booked, he says and points out that only when students resorted to violence, cases were booked and that they had video footage as evidence. He revealed that 80 per cent cases have been withdrawn after the intervention of the politicians and higher officials. Withdrawal of cases is a policy issue, he added and wanted the university authorities to intiate measures to restore academic atmosphere on campus. One constable said he was not able to sleep in December of 2009 as students vandalized, pelted stones on shops in Tarnaka.
Pitched battles between students and the police, frequent lathi charges, imposition of section 144, firing of tear gas shells and in the air ... Policing the agitation was a challenge as it involved handling thousands of angry and emotionally charged students on campus. Expressing anguish, he said it was painful to bear and to be restraineed when protesters hurl filthy abuse. “We have to bear our higher officials as well as from public when we block the roads . Protesters resorted to violence in December 2009 only , later on all protests went peacefully,” he added. On the contrary, student leaders are criticcal of the role of police. Some students single out a few senior officers w h o passed on instructions to nip the movement in the initial OU Circle Inspector stages. P. Ashok According to Krishank National spokesperson OUJAC, police personnel alleged that crude bombs were found on campus and linked some students with Maoists to dilute the movement. Krishank rebuts the argument of police on false cases. He says cases were filed against the student leaders though they were not present at the scene. To be precise, he says that when the student leaders are in OU, cases would be booked in Warangal, Mahabubabad or Panjagutta. “Sixty cases were booked against me,” he says. Another student leader, Ramakrishna, says, “I have been
booked under 307 sec in Mahabubabad though I did not have any role in that incident. We participated in the agitation to protect our future and not with any selfish motive.” Further, he recalls that students were lathi charged just before they were to take an exam. Police assaulted students who sat for fast unto death in front of Arts college. On whether there was excess presence of police on campus and the vicinity, students fished out an RTI report which mentions that there were 350-500 personnel on any normal working day. This indicates the motives of the police, they point out “Police threatened us that we will not have a good future if we participated in Telangana agitation. They entered the ladies hostel without woman constables,” said Shilpa, while Radha, a women’s activist added that this was against UGC norms which prescribe that the local police should have the Vice Chancellor’s permission to do so. “Some members of the para military force abused us and even prevented an injured person being shifted in an ambulance citing security reasons.” “In extreme cases, police officials threatened our parents that their children lives would be in danger. They approached houses in disguise and carried away photographs of students as if we are terrorirsts or maoists, said Stalin another leader.
The resumption of bus services on the University Campus after a lapse of over three years has not only brought a sense of relief for the students but also the RTC staff operating on this route. Md. Khaja an RTC driver, who drives from Secunderabad to Dilsukhnagar is more than happy to drive via campus. “Students were hit hard as the bus routes were closed on campus. They were forced to walk long distances or get fleeced by auto drivers. The number of autos on campus has thinnned down already. Now, I am very happy for the students, he says. Conductor K.Srinivas, who is generally in the morning shifts on the campus. “Whether we pass through the campus or not, it doesn’t make any difference to us. It is in the interest of students. They were the ones who suffered.” Some drivers like Ramakrishna Reddy earned the wrath of the agitators while on duty. Reddy recalls the day his bus was chased from the ladies hostel and attacked by a group of students. “It was duty’s call and we were not given any instructions on whether to pass through the campus. It was unexpected. Students came close to physically manhandling me,” he says and avers that the RTC runs buses through the campus to ease the commuting problems of students. “They should utilize the service instead of venting their anger on buses which are public property and the common man is paying for them.” Srilatha, a resident of ECIL, strongly feels that the “Instead of resuming buses from campus, the authorities should start mini buses within the premises. This way nobody will be forced to struggle for space and the journey will be a pleasant experience.” Pranita Jonnalagedda, MCJ, says, “I am so happy I will no longer spend Rs. 2000 every month on my petrol bill as I can travel by bus.” A.K. Khan, managing director, APSRTC, in his interaction with the students cited frequent burning of buses which was leading to copy cat acts outside the campus and causing huge losses to the Corporation.
Osmania Courier October 21, 2013
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Illustrious son of Telangana Prof. K. Jayashankar, is considered the architect of the Telangana movement even during the 1969 agitation. He kept his burning desire for a separate Telangana alive over the years and gave a sense of direction to the movement in 2009. A scholar, teacher with a perceptive mind, he understood Telangana and its backwardness in various sectors at the back of his hand Osmania Courier pays tribute to this illustrious son of Telangana through this profile Prof.K.Jayashankar, illustrious son of Telangana K. Jayashankar was born in Akkampet village, Atmakur mandal, Warangal in erstwhile Hyderabad state to Lakshmikantha Rao and Mahalakshmi in Vishwabrahmins community. He did his schooling in Hanamkonda, Warangal and his M.A. in Economics at Banaras Hindu University, M.A. in Economics at Aligarh University and Ph.D. in Economics at Osmania University, and B.Ed. at Osmania University. During the Nizam rule in Hyderabad state, it was mandatory for all schools to sing a song praising the Nizam.
When the headmaster of the Markaji High School in Hanamkonda asked his students to sing the song, K. Jayashankar, then a Class VI student, defied the rule and sang Vandemataram. As an Intermediate student, he walked out of his class in protest against state reorganization in 1952. He was associated with the Telangana movement efforts to obtain statehood for Telangana since 1952, as a student leader stating with Non-Mulki go back and Idli Sambar go back movement. He wanted the "Puri Mutton" to populate the lands of Telangana. In 1969 Jayashankar formed a team with ten members to fight for Telangana. He was the only survivor while the others were killed in police firing. He then started Telangana Janasabha which was banned by the Indian government. He authored a large number of articles and research papers, in English and Telugu, on various aspects of the Telangana Problem. Then, in 1962, he was part of a campaign which rocked the region and led several agitations transforming them into a mass move-
m e n t after the 1969 agitation. As a lecturer, in 1968, he participated Prof. K. Jayashankar and revived the agitation for Telangana. He carried out his struggle for Telangana through research and academic studies, and by educating people on the cause. He is known as the original Telangana ideologue. He was instrumental in forming the Telangana Development Forum (TDF, U.S.A.) in 1999 The Forum invited him to deliver a series of lectures on various facets of the Telangana Movement in ten major cities of the United States during July/August 2000. Also, he was invited by the American Telugu Association (ATA) U.S.A., to speak about the problems of regional disparities in Andhra Pradesh in July 2000 and July 2002. Prof. Jayashanakar always believed that Telangana can only be
achieved through political process, at the same time, he supported agitations run by all non-political organizations. It was Jayashankar who offered lime juice to the TRS president when the latter broke his famous fast for Telangana in December, 2009. Professor Jayashankar was Registrar of the then Central Institute of English and Foreign Languages (CIEFL) before being appointed Vice-chancellor of Kakatiya University in 1991 He taught Economics and supervised doctoral students. He undertook indepth studies on the regional disparities in Andhra Pradesh and published several papers on Economic Development and Educational Economics. At the time of his death on 21 June 2011, he was the Chairman of Centre for Telangana Studies which is engaged in research and publication relating to problems of Telangana. He is the founder member of Telangana Aikya Vedika and was on its Executive Committee. He remained a celibate fighting for the cause of Telangana
‘Sacrifices have not gone in vain’ Syeda Zahara Jabeen and Srinivas Takore
immolated himself while hugging the Ambedkar statue shouting ‘Jai Telangana’. Everything came to a halt. There was deafraging desire and angst enveloped ening silence everywhere. All dreams were them. They could not digest the in- shattered. His family was left devastated as justices meted out by several sucthey had cessive governments to the backward region no of Telangana and the aspirations of thouinkling sands of youth Some of them perhaps lost that he faith in the system and the political class. would They saw that their decision to immolate resort to themselves would expedite the formation of such an a separate state of Telangana. They bit the extreme bullet and sacrificed themselves. step. Yes, they became martyrs for their cause “Had dearer to their heart Telangana. Srikanthe decithchary, Venugopal, Yadaiah, Santosh and sion on nearly 1000 others have not survived to be a Telanpart of the historic moment when T was announced. Srikanth Chary Osmania Courier, contacted several families which continue to bear the loss of gana been taken earlier, our son would their dear ones subsequent to the announce- have been a part of these celebrations, ” ment by the Congress working committee says Kaasoju Venkatchary, his father emoand the UPA partners. Some were vocal oth- tionally. “Telangana and its people was the ers reticent and emotional. only thing in his mind. If Telangana is Srikanth Chary’s family was one of them. achieved my son's sacrifice will be compenChary was a Btech student. He was a talsated. Moreover my son’s sacrifice is nothented young kid from his school days. He ing when it comes to the happiness of four aspired to become a politician- a politician crore Telanganites. I don't need any comwho could bring about a change in society. pensation which the politicians have promHe was just following his parent's advice ised. There were students from poor that settling down in a job was not ideal families who have sacrificed their lives too. and one should do something for the society. Politicians should keep their promise and He joined the Telangana Rashtra Samithi ensure that parents of students from poor Vidyarthi Vibhagam (TRSV) in 2006. At a families get the said compensation, " adds time when every dream seemed just a step his father. away, something happened. He thought he Recalling an incident his father says, could do his bit by sacrificing his life. He “Once Srikanth came across a pregnant
A
woman from Vijayawada who developed complications and was referred to a hospital in Hyderabad. Due to insufficient money she was denied treatment. He spoke to the doctors and deposited his bike keys as surety. The woman delivered a baby but after 30 days my son ended his life.” He gave life to one and sacrificed his own self. This was his love for the society. Yadaiah’s family had already lost their parents long back. He would stay at his cousin Surender’s place. His sudden demise shook the happy family of three- brother Surender, sister-in-law and Yadaiah. As usual everybody were busy with their chores on that day and all of a sudden I received a phone call from his friends informing about his demise, ” recalls Surender. Yadaiah immolated himself near NCC gate in broad day light. “My wife was inconsolable and did not eat anything for days as he was like a son to her. Yadaiah's soul will rest in peace only when the said T-bill is passed successfully and when every youngster from Telangana gets a job. We don't need any compensation we just want Telangana, which was my brother's last wish". Airing his views on suicides, M. Krishank who authored two books on suicides, national spokesperson, OUJAC says, “We are gathering data on those who sacrificed their lives. We will demand one government job to a family member of each martyr.” Life goes on for several other families who lost their dear ones leaving permanent scars. But the names of the martyrs will be permanently etched in the pages of history of Telangana.
Osmania Courier October 21, 2013
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The brains that guided T Md. Azharuddin and Naveen Vaitla
T
intellihe gentsia in Te l a n g a n a , academicians, professors, writers, artistes and poets seized every opportunity to highlight the discrimi- Kaloji Narayan Rao, Prof. Keshav Rao Jadhav, Prof. Kodanda Ram, Prof. Kancha Ilaiah, Prof. P.L.Vishweshwer Rao, Prof. G. Chakrapani, Prof. G. Lakshman nation against the Telangana through seminars, writings, books In the 1969 movement leaders like Prof. founded the Telangana Information Trust in Telangana Studies. and songs, articles in newspapers pamphlets Keshav Rao Jadhav, Prathap Kishore, 1986-87, and published “Maa Telangana” a Till 1990’s it was only a safeguards and give direction to the movement for Badrivishal Pitti organized seminars. After magazine. All of them organized meetings movement, but later the desire for Telangana Telangana, says a quick survey of intellectu- the 1969 movement was “suppressed,’ there and seminars. separate spurred through brainstorming sesals across Telangana. was unrest in the educated and unemployed Ramachandra Nayak from Putlibowli sions on drought in Mahabubnagar, fluoroProfessor Keshav Rao Jadhav, a veteran youth. The only segment of the society gave free building and halls to run the TPS sis in Nalgonda district and pollution in of the Telangana movement and a retired which continued to think of Telangana was near the Putlibowli chowrasta. Konda Lak- Patancheru, according to Prof. Chakrapani Professor in English from Osmania Univer- the intelligentsia. Later, advocates, teachers shman Bapuji also offered his building and In 1998 the Telangana Jana Sabha organsity said that, the intelligentsia spotted the also joined them. donated money to help TPS. The first public ized a huge public rally of intellectuals at weaknesses of leaders like Burugula RaProf Jadhav recalls that in 1969 many in- meeting of non-political organizations was Bhuvanagiri of Nalgonda District which had makrishna Rao, Marri Channa Reddy and tellectuals took part in movement For in- held under the leadership of Eeshwari bai, a great impact across Telangana. Another other Congress leaders in this region, who stance the intellectuals were granted Sada lakshmi and Sumitra Devi. As Chair- left wing group “Telangana Maha Sabha” surrendered to central leaders on safeguards permission to take out a rally from Charmi- man of Telangana Intellectuals Forum Prof. was also formed then. Later, the Telangana to Telangana. nar to Rajbhavan to submit a memorandum P.L.Vishweshwer Rao also authored a book, Vidya Vantula Vedika, comprising intellecDelving into the early protests and the role but it turned violent after the arrival of Indira “Telangana Dimensions of Under Develop- tuals was formed. of intellectuals immediately after the forma- Gandhi, the then Prime Minister. The per- ment” which focused on neglect and distion of Andhra Pradesh Prof. Kodandaram mission was withdrawn late in the night and crimination. 2009 and after Reddy, Chairman, Political Joint Action police personnel fired with .303 mm guns on During the 1980s, when GO 610 on repa- During the past four years from 2009 onCommittee, points out that the intelligentsia the demonstrators. triation of employees was issued by the wards, the university teachers and intellecmade representations to the Fazal Ali comthen State Government and was not imple- tuals played a crucial role though their mission pleading for a separate Telangana Poets and writers mented, the intellectuals filed a case in the veiws did not converge.For instance, Prof. state. The commission recommended cre- Kaloji Narayan Rao people’s poet, Prof. High Court. Sudarshan Reddy, a leading Kancha Ilaiah favoured the consolidation ation of a separate state of Telangana till the Jayashankar and Janardhan Rao, all from advocate was chosen to argue the case who of the sub altern forces so as to prevent fursecond general elections. Also, it said that if Warangal were actively involved in the advised the Intellectuals to take the issue to ther subjugation by certain sections. As late two thirds of the Assembly prefers only then movement. Kaloji wrote poems and songs, the masses as he feared the case would be Prof. Jayashankar said the movement conit should be merged with Andhra region. Prof. Jayashankar researched discrimina- struck down by the Andhra judges on the sists of three streams conscientisation of tion and wrote books. The latter became panels, reveals, Prof. Lakshman, retired people, agitations and political process, Brainstorming sessions the think tank for many agitators in leading Professor in Philosophy. Subsequently, the which delivers the decision. Recalls Prof. Ghanta Chakrapani, the first the movement. Janardhan Rao known for intellectuals reached out to the masses and In the first two arenas the intellectual brainstorming session on Telangana was his oratory skills inspired many through his alas highlighted the water and irrigation is- class focused on educating people about the held in 1968-69 organized by the then Vice fiery speeches. Pratap Kishore, City Chief sues, he adds. need for Telangana state. When the agitachancellor of Osmania University, Prof. Correspondent of Deccan Chronicle In the 1990s, journalists like Allam tion was intensified, JAC was formed and Ravada Satyanarayana. The outcome was formed the Telangana Praja Samithi (TPS) Narayana, K Srinivas, Pasham Yadagiri, everywhere the literate class came forward a database on the plight of Telangana. Later initially and he wrote extensively on Telan- Mallepally Laxmaiah and Jagan Reddy to provide leadership. The philosophical Anand Rao Thota, Lakshmi Kanth Rao gana. contributed to the Telangana movement framework was formulated. The VidyavanPenna, Jeevan Reddy and K. Jaya Shankar Prof. Chakrapani says that the Telangana through their articles in Vaartha. Editor of tula Vedika is currently engaged in laying joined him and started highlighting the ex- Development Forum played a major role and Nalupu, Cyril Reddy, published these arti- the roadmap for Telangana which has sufploitation of and discrimination in Telan- was led by Prof Jayashankar and Prof Ke- cles in a book titled “Dagaa Padda Telan- fered internal colonization process, says gana through their books. shav Rao Jadhav. Prabhakar Reddy gana” under the aegis of Centre for Prof. Kodandaram.
1969 STIR BLOODIER Continued from Page 3 cunderabad to Raj Bhavan. There was an announcement of curfew. In spite of this, the rally was successful. Posing as a religious procession, the groups came out onto the roads and took out the rally. People wanted to fight for their rights and they did everything they could to make an impact. Arrests were common according to Dr.Chiranjeevi who says, “There were so many arrests and the jails were not enough to accommodate them. Colleges were converted into jails,” he says. “The slogan 'Jai Telangana' drove most of the entire Telanagana movement. However, Kodanda Ram talks about a few more slogans that have been
STUDENT POWER: School girls staging a sit in in 1969 for Telangana
used,"Andhra go back, gongura go back’ was one of them. Another was idli, Ssmbar go back." Activists of the 1969 agitation blame Marri Chenna Reddy, who was the key leader of TPS, for diluting the 1969 agitation. "If he(Chenna Reddy) had stood
firm, it would have made a big difference," says Kodanda Ram. On Chenna Reddy's decision to merge into Congress, Suryanarayana says,"It is irony that the man who vigorously campaigned for a separate Telangana became the Chief Minister of united
Andhra Pradesh twice." Chiranjeevi says that Chenna Reddy had no interest in bifurcation of the state. He says that Chenna Reddy was an “integrationist who supported Visalandhra and continued to stay so till his participation in elections was nullified by the Supreme Court as he was found guilty of using religion as a part of his election campaign. He was politically unemployed and was looking for a chance to get back into action and it was at this time that he saw an opportunity in TPS.” Now that the announcement of a bifurcation has been made, each has a different opinion on the future. Prof. Kodanda Ram says, “People are wiser now to make right choices about their
leaders.” Chiranjeevi points to the rise in casteist politics, “We have a caste based society as opposed to the class based society in the West. Even after the separation of the State, the domination of certain castes is sure to make its presence felt in the governance.” P. Suryanarayana says, “The economy will take a hit, but then it is yet to be seen whether this bifurcation will benefit the common man. Dr. V. Shyam Sunder, who bore the brunt of police lathis says, one should ensure that academic activities do not suffer and should be accorded top priority.” With the Cabinet nod for the creation of Telangana, the dream is one big step closer to reality.