I used to find it funny watching gizmos that would go into self destruct mode in movies. It could only happen in someone's imagination - I used to think.
The events unfolding in Hyderabad over the last many months indicate that insane, self destructive behaviour is not restricted to gizmos alone. The inaction of the powers that be is pushing Hyderabad to the brink, to the precipice of disaster. To the verge of self destruction.
A Hyderabad, which has withstood the onslaughts of time, different dynasties, floods, communal disturbances, police actions and has come out standing proud and unscathed, is, today, standing helplessly going through agony and angst.
As successive governments dither and remain indecisive, a city that boasts of excellent infrastucture, evolved educational facilities, a cosmopolitan culture and above all great weather is getting torn from within. The syncretic social fabric that symbolised a Hyderabadi is getting corroded and rust is setting in.
Schools, colleges are shut, Govt offices are not functioning, buses are not plying, there is uncertainty all around and there is helplessness. It is as if the denizens of this great city are being puppeteered, the strings not seen and their purpose not understood. Despite bountiful rains, the citizens are facing power shutdowns. Hoodlums and mobs control the city shutting business establishments, the common man is hurt the most. The rule of law seems to have forsaken this place. The city is being held ransom by power mongers.
As a pall of gloom descends on the city, the question is - does anyone care for Hyderabad?
Where is the state Government? How can it let essential services get disrupted? How can the fear psychosis have such a free reign? Who is answerable for the massive loss of public confidence and the piling up of the agony? Who is responsible for the disruption of the students' education- why should children and their parents suffer because of the administrations ineptitude?
Where is the Central Government? How can it wash its hands off such a large problem, wish it away? Are the people of Hyderabad not Indian citizens, don't they deserve to see the impact of the power of the Indian republic? Do they deserve this callous approach from the Government? Is this the comeuppance for having voted to power the ruling alliance? When will Mrs G behave like the Iron lady Mrs G?
Where are the opposition politicians? In trying to sit on two stools, are they playing into the hands of the peace destroyers. why are they so scared? How come the Ex CEO of AP is completely lost and is groping for answers?
What are the agitators plans? Can't they see that scars of their agitation will take years to heal? Can't they see that the investors have better options across the country to put their money in? Can't they see that an erosion in Hyderabad's equity will have long term and permanent impact on the industrialization and the job creation capability of the city? Even if Telangana were to be formed?
Where is the media? When will it start calling a spade a spade? When will it start espousing the cause of the common man? When will it stop kowtowing to some imagined powers?
When will a leader emerge who will take the bull by its horns and champion the cause of the people? Will it happen? The optimist in me says, the messiah will emerge soon, the pragmatist, just hopes!
The events unfolding in Hyderabad over the last many months indicate that insane, self destructive behaviour is not restricted to gizmos alone. The inaction of the powers that be is pushing Hyderabad to the brink, to the precipice of disaster. To the verge of self destruction.
A Hyderabad, which has withstood the onslaughts of time, different dynasties, floods, communal disturbances, police actions and has come out standing proud and unscathed, is, today, standing helplessly going through agony and angst.
As successive governments dither and remain indecisive, a city that boasts of excellent infrastucture, evolved educational facilities, a cosmopolitan culture and above all great weather is getting torn from within. The syncretic social fabric that symbolised a Hyderabadi is getting corroded and rust is setting in.
Schools, colleges are shut, Govt offices are not functioning, buses are not plying, there is uncertainty all around and there is helplessness. It is as if the denizens of this great city are being puppeteered, the strings not seen and their purpose not understood. Despite bountiful rains, the citizens are facing power shutdowns. Hoodlums and mobs control the city shutting business establishments, the common man is hurt the most. The rule of law seems to have forsaken this place. The city is being held ransom by power mongers.
As a pall of gloom descends on the city, the question is - does anyone care for Hyderabad?
Where is the state Government? How can it let essential services get disrupted? How can the fear psychosis have such a free reign? Who is answerable for the massive loss of public confidence and the piling up of the agony? Who is responsible for the disruption of the students' education- why should children and their parents suffer because of the administrations ineptitude?
Where is the Central Government? How can it wash its hands off such a large problem, wish it away? Are the people of Hyderabad not Indian citizens, don't they deserve to see the impact of the power of the Indian republic? Do they deserve this callous approach from the Government? Is this the comeuppance for having voted to power the ruling alliance? When will Mrs G behave like the Iron lady Mrs G?
Where are the opposition politicians? In trying to sit on two stools, are they playing into the hands of the peace destroyers. why are they so scared? How come the Ex CEO of AP is completely lost and is groping for answers?
What are the agitators plans? Can't they see that scars of their agitation will take years to heal? Can't they see that the investors have better options across the country to put their money in? Can't they see that an erosion in Hyderabad's equity will have long term and permanent impact on the industrialization and the job creation capability of the city? Even if Telangana were to be formed?
Where is the media? When will it start calling a spade a spade? When will it start espousing the cause of the common man? When will it stop kowtowing to some imagined powers?
When will a leader emerge who will take the bull by its horns and champion the cause of the people? Will it happen? The optimist in me says, the messiah will emerge soon, the pragmatist, just hopes!
