Saturday, June 23, 2007

Tana Tandanana.....Ata Pata?

What is the link between the Andhra Politicians, Tollywood actors and US Telugu associations? Like an annual pilgrimage to Tirupathi, our friends are always on top of the guests list when ever a function happens in US. Sometimes, it gives a doubt, if these functions are created for the sake of the celebrities and powerful or for the sake of US Telugu Communities. Looking at the way things are happening both at home and in US, it gives a doubt there is something beyond communities and their welfare.

In US we have three or four generations Telugus. A generation that is born and brought up in India before immigrating to US to the generation that is perhaps not seen their home land or not connected in any way with that. With in the these generations, we have various waves - most recent unsettled folks to the very rich, wealthy settled people.

Even in this internet age, the physical distance between US and AP is not reduced. We may have better communications and easy availability of information. Yet, in daily life AP cannot fit into American life. It is too far to be integral part of our lives.

The reason why communities are formed as associations, is to sustain their culture and express mutual solidarity at the trying times. Further, the purpose of these associations is to bring an identity and unified voice. All this is within the context of the immigrated land - but not definitely for the purpose of their motherland.

From the happenings as I see, it is fairly obvious that our Associations have moved beyond that purpose. We can see more cross purpose agenda than straight forward one.

Power is the sucker. Power and wealth are the best cousins. Is it a marriage of convenience, where Wealth supports Power and in turn Power supports Wealth? If not, why all our Powerful and Celebrities are keen only on the Wealthy immigrants?

I do not know the answers - but I am fairly certain that there is lot beyond what we see:

1. Why real estate prices in AP are going to roof?
2. Why these people left on their own accord, suddenly want to develop their motherland?
3. Why these people get easy access into the corridors of power? and what they do with that?
4. Why all this publicity?
5. Why there is fight for the Executive posts when there are all Honorary?
6. Why the split in the associations? What they want to assert?
7. Why our Politicians always find time to go and what they achieve in the end?

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