India, the nation

The entire state of Andhra Pradesh is gripped in the frenzy of agitation of Telangana statehood. There are bandhs, raasta rokhos across the state and it has been paralysed by people agitating pro and against the bifurcation.

It is a very contentious issue. It has attracted a lot of debate and loss to the state. Its an issue that has caught the attention of political opportunists to make a career and fortune out of it. It will not stop here, there will further be a demand for statehood from Rayalaseema region. This has led to anxiety and hostility among people of the state creating tensions. It will spread to other states also. You already hear the murmurings.

I've been in Hyderabad for 4 years during my Engineering and never felt that I am in an alien place and people there treated me as their own. It has never been a feeling of the people that they are different from the rest of Telugus, it is a magical eureka formula invented by political unemployed and the intellectuals of the region. Its a wonderful city where the ancient and modern coexist, towards whose progress people from all the regions of AP and India have contributed. Its culturally enriching experience due to the influx of people from different cultures, from the Nizams to the Sudanese.

Their argument is that the development of Telangana is neglected by successive governments.
It is immature to say that only the districts in Telangana are underdeveloped, there are many underdeveloped districts in other regions of AP as well. And it is true of states across the country and districts across these states.

The problem lies in the fact that despite 63 years of independence we are unable to provide the basic facilities to our fellow citizens. It is due to rampant corruption at all levels of our administration, chalta hai attitude of our people who are happy not to fight for what is theirs (despite awareness) and the media which is too busy reporting which actor is dating whom and which actress is wearing what.

Talk to anyone in this country they are happy blaming the government and even international politics for their inaction.
It is not correct to assume that smaller states will lead to prosperity, look at Jharkhand which has been plagued by rampant corruption and underdevelopment. All the households in any village are not equally well to do, dividing the village just for the sake of it will not serve the purpose. Instead it will create political instability and make people more vulnerable.

We have to look at the root cause of the problems that lead to disparities and address them to create a just and equitable society. We have to create equal opportunities for all and ensure that the economic benefits reach those who deserve it the most. We should not let the regional tensions undermine the national fabric of India. We have to move towards a sustainable and prosperous India where there is no space for hatred and where the well being and development of citizens is paramount.