Telugu Association of North America (TANA) is in deep trouble (or in power struggle). Even if the issue is resolved amicabily, TANA will not be same again.
Some decades back ATA (American Telugu Association) formed (basically a split from the TANA), due to simmering caste politics. Though they have not acknowledged publicly, TANA is with the Telugu Desam Party and ATA is with Congress. In way, formation of ATA given a choice to overseas Telugu's and competition between the two associations ensured that at least to some extent, community issues are addressed. Of course, which communities in the larger community context have been benefited is well known to the members.
With the high voltage political scene in Andhra Pradesh, the split in TANA reflects, perhaps the state of Telugu Desam Party back at home. With this power struggle, TANA is bound to loose more members out of disillusion. At the same time, this will give excellent opportunity for the other "communities in waiting" to form their own outfit. This is already happening more with Chiranjeevi arrival or due to the Telengana sentiment.
We will see the outfits like TANA (Original), TANA (K), TANA (T), TANA2, TANA++ and so on.
Most of the NRI's, excluding the recent IT and Techies, who have immigrated to west generally state two reasons why they have moved abroad - corruption and caste politics back at home. Those people who moved to USA between 60's to 80's will definitely find it hard to digest the emerging situation in a free societies. Needless to say, protection of Telugu culture and language have taken a back seat in preference to glamour and power.
Until the politicians back at home and the associations abroad try to supplement each other vested interests and cheap agenda, the future is bleak for Telugu associations. We will see another Vijayawada, Warangal or Kadapa in US.
Are you a Telugu? Be careful to tell others - you will be laughing stock
28th Sep 2008
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1 comment:
You are absolutely correct about caste politics. Indians blame everyone in the world (including political parties) for their caste based politics but they conveniently forget that they themselves practice it in their entire life.
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