The intriguing map of the country on the cover draws you to flip the pages and more so the title ‘Telanganame Andhra Pradesh’, a hot and happening topic to all those living in this state. When journalists turn authors, there is an added advantage: it is highly readable. The chronicle of events and narrative is never meandering; it is crisp, objectively analytical with a dash of history, a sprinkling of current affairs, factual to the core and though the personal view does peep in here and there, it does not adhere to any single political entity. This in a nutshell, is the nature of the book penned by veteran journalist ABK Prasad.
Coming to the contents, the author has judiciously chosen to portray the fight for identity of the Telugu people as a mini war of independence to break free from the British or Nizam yoke which began nearly 63 years ago. This is to convey that the linguistic division has been done and the patriots were none other than the leaders who were born and brought up in the Telangana region like Sri Madapati Hanumantha Rao, Suravaram, etc.
The pointer is towards the present ‘politically-motivated’, separate Telangana movement which is actually ‘meaningless’ being spear-headed by a settler from ‘Bobbili’ geographically located in coastal Andhra.The chapters are interlaced with lovely poetry from the great revolutionary poet Sri Sri, who implored the people of Telugu land to stand united and eschew in-fighting lest one of the neighbours swallow us up. These little verses more than tell half the story and make for an interesting read. The rest are eye-openers to non-journalists who are blinded by the so-called ‘reforms’ and ‘renaissance’ of our state under previous heads of state.
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For instance, the reference to World Bank recommendations, to open up the economy (a Central government decision) is what contributed to unemployment of the non-IT segment in the state and not another set of Telugu brothers from regions other than Telangana, as is being touted by the so-called leadership at the helm of the independent Telangana movement, says the author with clarity. The reference to soil and land placement in the Telangana region, with a few exceptions, mirrors the lack of sumptuous agriculture and dependence on lift irrigation, a costly alternative. Hence, half the region reels under the dry belt and is no comparison to the wet land or delta of the coastal areas.
The author deplores the divisive tactics of the politicians in igniting regional conflicts among Telugu people. As for the allegations on ‘Andhra’ leaders usurping or owning immovable properties in other states, the author carefully unveils the complainant’s own ‘deeds of profit’ and the theory of expansion.
Despite certain home truths, there is an open attempt to hit the nail on the head, by constantly reminding all those vociferous pro-Telangana warriors that Andhra Pradesh as it stands today is nothing but the land of Telugu people which in a single word is called Telangana.
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Hence this book is an attempt to awaken the rationale in people to realize and avoid falling prey to hideous political plans which have so far cost both lives and resources.
RANEE KUMAR
Telanganame Andhra Pradesh
Author: ABK Prasad
Price: Rs. 80
For copies: Visalandra, Prajasakthi and Navodaya book houses