The Story of our 29th State: Telangana 

On this day, in the year 2014, Telangana became the 29th State of India but as the saying goes, “Rome wasn’t built in a day”, the formation of Telangana wasn’t easy either. On June 02 every year, Telangana celebrates its Formation Day. 

In this article, we will look at “behind the scenes” of the formation of Telangana and some details about this almost recently formed State. 

History of Telangana

Telangana was a region of Hyderabad from September 17, 1948 to November 1, 1956, after which it merged with Andhra State to become Andhra Pradesh. But the demand for a separate Telangana State dates back to the 1950s, when the people of the region felt marginalised and denied resources and opportunity.

A mass movement grew over the decades, with thousands of individuals and numerous organisations pushing for self-governance. The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) emerged as the major group calling for separate statehood after years of rallies, political talks, and a nationwide movement. 

Telangana Movement

In early 1950s, People in the Telangana region of Hyderabad State began organising to demand a separate State. The Indian Government established the States Reorganisation Commission (SRC) in 1953 to investigate various statehood demands across the country. People of Telangana filed multiple memorandums to the SRC, expressing their desire for Telangana to become an independent state. On September 30, 1955, the Commission issued its report, which proposed the establishment of the state of Telangana.

Between September 1955 and November 1956, the people of Telangana started a series of demonstrations demanding statehood by implementing the SRC recommendations. However, intensive lobbying by Andhra state authorities in New Delhi resulted in the merging of the Telangana region of Andhra state to become the state of Andhra Pradesh.

In January 1969, students pushed for an independent state. On January 19, an agreement to ensure the appropriate implementation of Telangana safeguards was signed. However, as more students and employees joined the statehood movement, the protests became even more intense. After decades of movements for a separate State, finally, on June 2, 2014, Telangana was created by passing the Andhra Pradesh State Reorganisation Bill in both houses of the Parliament, putting an end to this long-running conflict.

Some Statistics of Telangana*

*Source: Telangana State Portal

The State Symbols of Telangana

• State Animal - Jinka (Deer)

• State Bird - Palapitta (Indian Roller or Blue Jay)

• State Flower - Tangedu (Tanner’s Cassia)

• State Tree - Jammi Chettu (Prosopis Cineraria)

Cultural Heritage of Telangana

Telangana, located on the uplands of the Deccan plateau, connects India's north and south. It is not surprising, then, that the region as a whole became recognised for its Ganga-Jamuna Tehzeeb and the capital Hyderabad as a "miniature India!". Telangana has a diverse mix of cultures, languages, and arts, making it a place of rich cultural heritage. Telugu, the State's language, has its own distinct dialect in Telangana. 

The region is also well-known for its lively folk music, dance forms like Perini Sivatandavam (also known as the ‘dance of warriors’), and traditional arts and crafts. Bathukamma, a festival in which women arrange flowers in beautiful forms, is also a symbol of Telangana's cultural identity. On top of that, the world-famous Hyderabadi food, with its flavorful biryanis and delicious sweets, is one of the widely enjoyed food in India and abroad alike.

Achievements of the State

Since its formation, Telangana has made significant progress in various sectors, transforming itself into a flourishing hub of technology, innovation, and economic growth. Hyderabad, the capital city, has emerged as a global IT destination, attracting investments and multinational corporations. The state has made remarkable progress in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, aerospace, and renewable energy. Also, the Government's initiatives in irrigation, healthcare, education, and welfare programs have been helpful for the people of Telangana as well.

Conclusion

Telangana Formation Day is a day of celebration, reflection, and pride for the people of Telangana. It honours the long struggle for Statehood, the preservation of cultural legacy, and the constant commitment to progress. This important day serves as a reminder that nothing is impossible when people work together to achieve an objective that is shared by everyone.