Activists have their picture taken With a famous personality or politician, and this photo is used in their marriage profile (bio-data). Similar to pamphlets and posters, wedding invitations also have the Slogan, 'Jai Telangana, Jai Jai Telangana' printed on the card.
Campus Networks and Agitations The Making of a Student Activist Examining every•day practices extends our understanding of how the processes work in any protest or movement. Alberto Melucci (1996) This chapter attempts to present the 'lifeworld' that activists inhabited at Osmania University (OU). It examines various networks student activists formed and explores the inner mechanisms of their activism. What motivates a student to choose a path of activism? How can we understand the campus culture in relation to activists' backgrounds and their understanding of the movement? Ethnographic observations, interviews With old and new leaders, insights from informal and formal chats and discussions, as well as popular Slogans from a year of fieldwork from December 2012 to December 2013 are presented. What elements of daily campus life and culture helped in the production and functioning of various networks? How did students change the tide to make it a mass movement for Telangana? To understand this, the ethnographer investigated the spatial practices of activists and became a keen participant observer. The chapter discusses how students are inducted to a 'network culture', trained and made part of the movement on campus and shows how networks are rooted in Telangana cultural ethos.
ORGANIC LINKAGES BETWEEN ACTIVISTS AND CAMPUS
Sunil parks his bike in front of his college. He gets off slowly as his concentration is fixed on the building's wall which is flooded With colored posters and pamphlets of different student organizations, both in Telugu and English. Pictures of student leaders overpower the text. He closely examines them and finds his Own picture in his organization's poster. This gives him deep satisfaction, and With confident look on his face he walks up the stairs and bows his head in front of the building. As he walks into the corridors, the guard and peon of the building greet him With 'Namastey Anna' [Hello, brother], and he reciprocates the greeting. His doctoral supervisor approaches him from the opposite direction and he nods his head to greet. His guide shakes hands With him. Sunil replies, 'Nenu bagunnanu' [I am fine]. They spend a few minutes chatting over a cup of tea. Sunil invites his guide for a post-lunch protest organized by his student union. He comes out of the college building and rings some of his friends asking them to bring the banner for the protest. Within half an hour, there is a small tent set up in front of the building. In no time, almost 50 activists gather together shouting Jai Telangana and give speeches to the standing audience. The principal Of the college also delivers a 10- minute speech. Non-teaching employees of the university congregate in a corner, sipping tea and chatting, glancing at the numerous posters on the wall. Meanwhile, students on bikes continue to arrive. In the next 10 minutes, media vans are seen buzzing around. Sunil and three Other leaders Speak to the Telugu media and warn the government that if they do not form a separate statehood, students will sacrifice their lives for Telangana. When the media leaves, Sunil mounts his bike and With two Other activists, both on their phones, sets out to mobilize more students in the hostels for an upcoming protest march organized by the students' Joint Action Committee. The scene described above is typical of Arts College, the most popular and prestigious college among 400 Other affiliated colleges of OU. This college served as a popular landmark for activists' meetings and the epicenter of Telangana activism. The majestic building of Arts College is made of pink granite and a grand archway at the center is flanked by huge doorways. In front of this is a long, ornamental fountain. Most of the activist meetings are held inside this building. Strikes, public gatherings, sit-ins, rallies, and processions are held in front of the building, known for its awe-inspiring facade. Arts College is surrounded by small parks which are maintained by the college administration. During the evening, students gather here to have tea at one of the nearby food Stalls. The park is a common site for students— whether activists or not—to meet informally. This space is of historic and symbolic significance
historic and symbolic significance to the spirit of the movement. In many ways, the park served as the interface between the student movement and the general public. Every evening, families and friends from the nearby areas come to pass their leisure time. As a result, they have become spectators to the frequent protests at the Arts College. The area is large enough to hold rallies and State level protests. As it is located on the OU main road, it gathers crowds from the passing traffic, pedestrians, and local tourists. From this road, passers-by are able to view the college and park. People sitting in the park view the posters, banners, and flags set up by the students on daily basis as programmes are frequently organized by various student unions, even after the state's formation. OU alumni Who visit fondly recount their time at Arts College and remember the martyrs of the 1969 agitation. Thus, for nearby residents, the Arts College main building is the symbol of struggle, dedication, and activism. During the 2009 agitation, students held a rally called Vidyarthi Mahagarjana. Newspapers estimated that around two to three hundred thousand people participated. . Students did not vacate the park for nearly a month. They played revolutionary songs, dramas, and gave speeches alongside social activists. During field research in 2013, the OU Madiga Students' Front organized a massive meeting, which was addressed by the popular Madiga leader, Mr M. Krishna Madiga. During this rally, more than 50 news cameras covered the event. Media vehicles packed the road. Students from Kakatiya and Other state universities joined the rally and called their relatives and families to join, making it a family affair. Although the park is a public space, it serves as an 'identity affirming space' (Carter 2007). This kind of space is qualitatively different than Other public spaces as it is an expression of Society. Castells (1983) aptly States, 'Space is not a reflection of society, it is society'. This society, rooted in local culture, has its linkages With the Telangana movement. It is the extension of the Arts College. Sunder, a vendor Who sell snacks in the park every day from 11 am to 9 pm shares his viewpoint With a Shy expression: 'I wish there is agitation everyday it will bring more business. Without these rallies or protests, this park and my business both seem lifeless'. Aside from rallies, protests, or meetings, wedding receptions are another occasion where student activists network and display their stature within in the community. What is interesting about this site is that it is one rare occasion where student activists across party lines come together. Student leaders bring along their supporters, and the number of supporter shows his strength or power. Often times, popular political figures Of the movement (such as Kalvakuntala Chandrashekhar Rao (henceforth KCR), President of Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS); Professor Kodandaram; and Gaddar) attend these receptions. It is important to note that these wedding functions are an open invitation to all Telangana activists. Other activists, journalists, professors, and local and national politicians concerned With Telangana issues are also invited. In this way, every kind of social gathering—marriage ceremonies included —serve as a medium of networking among Telangana activists. For the masses, being a Telangana activist is considered very honourable. Those Who have arranged marriages customarily receive a sizable dowry. Their activism adds as a plus point to their profile and in negotiations for a larger dowry. To make an impression on a prospective bride's
customarily receive a sizable dowry. Their activism adds as a plus point to their profile and in negotiations for a larger dowry. TO make an impression on a prospective bride's family, activists Show files of news coverage With pictures showing them addressing or leading a rally. These pictures are also uploaded on social media, typically Facebook. Other activists have their picture taken With a famous personality or politician, and this photo is used in their marriage profile (bio-data). Similar to pamphlets and posters, wedding invitations also have the Slogan, 'Jai Telangana, Jai Jai Telangana' printed on the card. The researcher had the opportunity to attend two student wedding receptions, both of which were held on campus and were open to the entire university. To be Sure, these were ideal opportunities to witness a unique tradition among activists as well as meet new activists. Everyone proudly introduced themselves and their association With the Telangana movement and exchanged their visiting cards. Most of the cards labelled their role as state president or chairman, Osmania University-Joint Action Committee (OU-- JAC) or TS-JAC, and at the same time, as Office bearer of Madiga Student Federation (MSF) or Telangana Student Front (TSF), and so on. Nearly all visiting cards are printed in English. This indicates a political aspiration to connect With all political leadership, especially to the ruling party ruling at the center. The cards also show their pride in declaring themselves part of the Telangana movement. Ever-present is the OU logo and the Slogan Jai Telangana (Long Live Telangana). When asked 'Why only Jai Telangana, Why not Jai Osmania?', an activist replied, 'See brother, everyone knows that we [students] all are from Osmania. But Our visiting cards are temporary. We are fighting for Our Telangana identity which is our permanent affiliation. We have printed Our dream and Our goal on these cards. Jai Telangana,r Such a prompt reply makes one think how seasoned these activists have become in delivering memorable sound bites, easily quotable, and digestible by the media. Interestingly, out of the 47 student activists from the 2009 agitations Who were surveyed, 40 were married With children.
Interestingly, out of the 47 student activists from the 2009 agitations Who were surveyed, 40 were married With children. Three got married as fieldwork was conducted and four were bachelors, including one Who has taken an oath that he 'will never marry, but will serve the people of Telangana as a political leader'. Such is the dedication to the movement, but more importantly, it points to how the movement affected all aspects of life. Marriage, personal appearance and dress, vocation and lifestyle were all confronted With the mission of Telangana independence,
Arnong left-wing students, there is also a trend to oppose traditional forms of rituals and celebrations. There were occasions when the Left students were married after a public talk or seminar organized by their party. With little preparation or arrangements, they exchange garlands in front of a small gathering, as a token of marriage. Left parties and Dalit students of Osmania campuses have set such examples to oppose the traditional ritualistic way of marrying, With dowry and pomp and show. A Progressive Democratic Student Union (PDSU) activist describes his marriage experience, 'I had such a simple marriage, in a seminar. After all the speeches by our teachers, we exchanged our garland and everyone clapped and greeted us. My parents were at the stage. My wife is from Andhra region we faced lots of difficulties but then after we had our baby, things started getting better.'
Such programs on campus hailed a new culture among activists that that made a social statement. This was one of many cultural contributions credited to the Telangana movement.
The University as a Site of Resistance: Identity and Student Politics
By Gaurav J. PathaniaCampus Networks and Agitations The Making of a Student Activist Examining every•day practices extends our understanding of how the processes work in any protest or movement. Alberto Melucci (1996) This chapter attempts to present the 'lifeworld' that activists inhabited at Osmania University (OU). It examines various networks student activists formed and explores the inner mechanisms of their activism. What motivates a student to choose a path of activism? How can we understand the campus culture in relation to activists' backgrounds and their understanding of the movement? Ethnographic observations, interviews With old and new leaders, insights from informal and formal chats and discussions, as well as popular Slogans from a year of fieldwork from December 2012 to December 2013 are presented. What elements of daily campus life and culture helped in the production and functioning of various networks? How did students change the tide to make it a mass movement for Telangana? To understand this, the ethnographer investigated the spatial practices of activists and became a keen participant observer. The chapter discusses how students are inducted to a 'network culture', trained and made part of the movement on campus and shows how networks are rooted in Telangana cultural ethos.
ORGANIC LINKAGES BETWEEN ACTIVISTS AND CAMPUS
Sunil parks his bike in front of his college. He gets off slowly as his concentration is fixed on the building's wall which is flooded With colored posters and pamphlets of different student organizations, both in Telugu and English. Pictures of student leaders overpower the text. He closely examines them and finds his Own picture in his organization's poster. This gives him deep satisfaction, and With confident look on his face he walks up the stairs and bows his head in front of the building. As he walks into the corridors, the guard and peon of the building greet him With 'Namastey Anna' [Hello, brother], and he reciprocates the greeting. His doctoral supervisor approaches him from the opposite direction and he nods his head to greet. His guide shakes hands With him. Sunil replies, 'Nenu bagunnanu' [I am fine]. They spend a few minutes chatting over a cup of tea. Sunil invites his guide for a post-lunch protest organized by his student union. He comes out of the college building and rings some of his friends asking them to bring the banner for the protest. Within half an hour, there is a small tent set up in front of the building. In no time, almost 50 activists gather together shouting Jai Telangana and give speeches to the standing audience. The principal Of the college also delivers a 10- minute speech. Non-teaching employees of the university congregate in a corner, sipping tea and chatting, glancing at the numerous posters on the wall. Meanwhile, students on bikes continue to arrive. In the next 10 minutes, media vans are seen buzzing around. Sunil and three Other leaders Speak to the Telugu media and warn the government that if they do not form a separate statehood, students will sacrifice their lives for Telangana. When the media leaves, Sunil mounts his bike and With two Other activists, both on their phones, sets out to mobilize more students in the hostels for an upcoming protest march organized by the students' Joint Action Committee. The scene described above is typical of Arts College, the most popular and prestigious college among 400 Other affiliated colleges of OU. This college served as a popular landmark for activists' meetings and the epicenter of Telangana activism. The majestic building of Arts College is made of pink granite and a grand archway at the center is flanked by huge doorways. In front of this is a long, ornamental fountain. Most of the activist meetings are held inside this building. Strikes, public gatherings, sit-ins, rallies, and processions are held in front of the building, known for its awe-inspiring facade. Arts College is surrounded by small parks which are maintained by the college administration. During the evening, students gather here to have tea at one of the nearby food Stalls. The park is a common site for students— whether activists or not—to meet informally. This space is of historic and symbolic significance
historic and symbolic significance to the spirit of the movement. In many ways, the park served as the interface between the student movement and the general public. Every evening, families and friends from the nearby areas come to pass their leisure time. As a result, they have become spectators to the frequent protests at the Arts College. The area is large enough to hold rallies and State level protests. As it is located on the OU main road, it gathers crowds from the passing traffic, pedestrians, and local tourists. From this road, passers-by are able to view the college and park. People sitting in the park view the posters, banners, and flags set up by the students on daily basis as programmes are frequently organized by various student unions, even after the state's formation. OU alumni Who visit fondly recount their time at Arts College and remember the martyrs of the 1969 agitation. Thus, for nearby residents, the Arts College main building is the symbol of struggle, dedication, and activism. During the 2009 agitation, students held a rally called Vidyarthi Mahagarjana. Newspapers estimated that around two to three hundred thousand people participated. . Students did not vacate the park for nearly a month. They played revolutionary songs, dramas, and gave speeches alongside social activists. During field research in 2013, the OU Madiga Students' Front organized a massive meeting, which was addressed by the popular Madiga leader, Mr M. Krishna Madiga. During this rally, more than 50 news cameras covered the event. Media vehicles packed the road. Students from Kakatiya and Other state universities joined the rally and called their relatives and families to join, making it a family affair. Although the park is a public space, it serves as an 'identity affirming space' (Carter 2007). This kind of space is qualitatively different than Other public spaces as it is an expression of Society. Castells (1983) aptly States, 'Space is not a reflection of society, it is society'. This society, rooted in local culture, has its linkages With the Telangana movement. It is the extension of the Arts College. Sunder, a vendor Who sell snacks in the park every day from 11 am to 9 pm shares his viewpoint With a Shy expression: 'I wish there is agitation everyday it will bring more business. Without these rallies or protests, this park and my business both seem lifeless'. Aside from rallies, protests, or meetings, wedding receptions are another occasion where student activists network and display their stature within in the community. What is interesting about this site is that it is one rare occasion where student activists across party lines come together. Student leaders bring along their supporters, and the number of supporter shows his strength or power. Often times, popular political figures Of the movement (such as Kalvakuntala Chandrashekhar Rao (henceforth KCR), President of Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS); Professor Kodandaram; and Gaddar) attend these receptions. It is important to note that these wedding functions are an open invitation to all Telangana activists. Other activists, journalists, professors, and local and national politicians concerned With Telangana issues are also invited. In this way, every kind of social gathering—marriage ceremonies included —serve as a medium of networking among Telangana activists. For the masses, being a Telangana activist is considered very honourable. Those Who have arranged marriages customarily receive a sizable dowry. Their activism adds as a plus point to their profile and in negotiations for a larger dowry. To make an impression on a prospective bride's
customarily receive a sizable dowry. Their activism adds as a plus point to their profile and in negotiations for a larger dowry. TO make an impression on a prospective bride's family, activists Show files of news coverage With pictures showing them addressing or leading a rally. These pictures are also uploaded on social media, typically Facebook. Other activists have their picture taken With a famous personality or politician, and this photo is used in their marriage profile (bio-data). Similar to pamphlets and posters, wedding invitations also have the Slogan, 'Jai Telangana, Jai Jai Telangana' printed on the card. The researcher had the opportunity to attend two student wedding receptions, both of which were held on campus and were open to the entire university. To be Sure, these were ideal opportunities to witness a unique tradition among activists as well as meet new activists. Everyone proudly introduced themselves and their association With the Telangana movement and exchanged their visiting cards. Most of the cards labelled their role as state president or chairman, Osmania University-Joint Action Committee (OU-- JAC) or TS-JAC, and at the same time, as Office bearer of Madiga Student Federation (MSF) or Telangana Student Front (TSF), and so on. Nearly all visiting cards are printed in English. This indicates a political aspiration to connect With all political leadership, especially to the ruling party ruling at the center. The cards also show their pride in declaring themselves part of the Telangana movement. Ever-present is the OU logo and the Slogan Jai Telangana (Long Live Telangana). When asked 'Why only Jai Telangana, Why not Jai Osmania?', an activist replied, 'See brother, everyone knows that we [students] all are from Osmania. But Our visiting cards are temporary. We are fighting for Our Telangana identity which is our permanent affiliation. We have printed Our dream and Our goal on these cards. Jai Telangana,r Such a prompt reply makes one think how seasoned these activists have become in delivering memorable sound bites, easily quotable, and digestible by the media. Interestingly, out of the 47 student activists from the 2009 agitations Who were surveyed, 40 were married With children.
Interestingly, out of the 47 student activists from the 2009 agitations Who were surveyed, 40 were married With children. Three got married as fieldwork was conducted and four were bachelors, including one Who has taken an oath that he 'will never marry, but will serve the people of Telangana as a political leader'. Such is the dedication to the movement, but more importantly, it points to how the movement affected all aspects of life. Marriage, personal appearance and dress, vocation and lifestyle were all confronted With the mission of Telangana independence,
Arnong left-wing students, there is also a trend to oppose traditional forms of rituals and celebrations. There were occasions when the Left students were married after a public talk or seminar organized by their party. With little preparation or arrangements, they exchange garlands in front of a small gathering, as a token of marriage. Left parties and Dalit students of Osmania campuses have set such examples to oppose the traditional ritualistic way of marrying, With dowry and pomp and show. A Progressive Democratic Student Union (PDSU) activist describes his marriage experience, 'I had such a simple marriage, in a seminar. After all the speeches by our teachers, we exchanged our garland and everyone clapped and greeted us. My parents were at the stage. My wife is from Andhra region we faced lots of difficulties but then after we had our baby, things started getting better.'
Such programs on campus hailed a new culture among activists that that made a social statement. This was one of many cultural contributions credited to the Telangana movement.
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