Appeal to students ––‘struggles’ not ‘sacrifices’-

Appeal to students –‘struggles’ not ‘sacrifices’-
By Bhandaru Srinivasa Rao(I.I.S.)

It is very sad that many emotive students over separate statehood are ending their lives. Will such acts help Centre respond quickly and fast? Certainly not!

It is true that no movement in the world over succeeded without students active participation. Even our own freedom struggle is no exception. Thousands of students who got attracted to the call of Mahatma gave up their studies mid-way. But, those days were different from today. The ‘cause’ may be as important as ‘freedom’ to Indians as now to Telanganites. Yet, in our changed civil society the entire world is fast emerging as a ‘big village’ and it is being accepted by every one of us.

Opportunities opened up, world geographic boundaries disappeared, and we are witnessing colonization all over the world. This is evident from the thousands of Indians' migration to either America or UK or Australia or Canada or New Zealand for greener pastures.

In that race, even no less Telanganites are lagging behind, unlike in the past when the first revolt was raised in 1969.

All these changes should not dampen or deter people of the region’s aspirations to stake claim for separate statehood. What pains me today is a youngsters ending life while bright future lies ahead of them. Unlike in the past, today’s parents are more concerned and care their children. The competitive spirit among the present day parents indeed more that of in their children. As a result, the parents end up with utmost joy and satisfaction if they ensure their children put their foot best forward in the respective chosen careers. If such a ‘dream’ of a ‘parent’ has to end halfway is what more painful.

In that context, I as a seasoned media practitioner felt it right to justify my professional obligation to make an appeal to the students community of all regions. Competitive examinations are the round-corner and in the recent past you made every Telugu proud topping, if not grabbing, maximum number of distinctions in several all-India common entrance tests. Especially, the Osmania University, which was in ‘dock’ for sometime had performed exceedingly well to bring back its old glory. Once again the University students are in great demand world over and the ‘campus’ recruitment bazaars are held with regularity.

I do understand, how ‘dear’ the aspiration to achieve separate statehood for Telangana to you as well to mine. Yet, it is examinations time and time to concentrate on studies to perform well. The Centre claims to have already taken the initiative and let us hold our breadth at least for some time. Everything could be achieved through negotiations and the Centre’s initiative to mobilize ‘consensus’ amongst all stakeholders has begun. Hence, it is better to declare truce at least for some time as the Centre requires some more time to arrive at a decision. Even, in case of formation of Andhra Pradesh on linguistic basis, though the formal decision was taken in 1952 itself, the state could be formed only after four years.

While giving time to the Centre, I would not like to advocate that the students should not put pressure on their representatives like MLAs, MPs, MLCs and others. At the same time, demanding for their resignations at this juncture will not help solve the problem. Instead let them stand united on the issue irrespective of their party ideologies and keep on building pressure on the Centre. Let these legislators and parliamentarians use their forums like Assembly and Lok Sabha to univocally highlight the importance for creating a separate Telangana state. Only such initiatives in a civilized society will help work wonders and also help ensure all round acclaim by law abiding citizens.

Hence, I sincerely appeal to all the entire students community to restrain from ending their lives and instead take part building constructive Telangana. Hope my voicing is reaching out to them…..!!!

20-01-2010