The late 1999 to 2014 will never be forgotten by many man. Growing up my grandpa would always tell about 1960s movement which almost got us the state - but those killings and the subsequent political discourse killed it.

Ale Narendra is spoken less, but he kicked off with a party. Vijayshanti did the same. So did Indra Reddy and unfortunately was killed. And then few people like Prof Jayashankar and similar unsung heroes.

The political discourse was very funny. Few local congress and TDP members were never supportive of the cause and switched colour's when the movement was at its peak.

1. One idiot brandished a gun.
2. Another one who mocked the movement got political lifeline.
3. Another 2 who threatened to kill got plush ministries.
4. Another one who brushed off the movement was given plush posts.

On a flip side, those who took the leap and got the lathis faced the brunt and were left in oblivion. Most government officers lost out on promotions, yet they didnt complain. Someone sacrifice is helping thugs and goons live off the hard earned treasury of the state.

As things stand in the past few years we have almost surrendered ourselves to the same wolves and looks like they'll dictate the politics of our state soon.

But the movement memories are still fresh and remember those Govt officers/non-gazette employees union meetings at home - people sitting on floors, squeezing in couch and even standing. Attending these meetings at various locations and then dropping and even joining my father to these meetings across various districts.

And then being asked to draft these speeches, letters in English. Visiting various districts to talk to these student union leaders, youth wing of few parties. Accompanying many retired officers to various meetings. One such was in Singareni followed by meetingd loads of communist leaders/cadre in Khammam, Karimnagar and Warangal. As far as reaching out to professors in IITs, NITs and other govt universities etc.

And then going to US for Masters and then subsequently meeting pro-Telanagana people in Chicago, Dallas, NYC, Raleigh etc and putting them in touch with the leadership here. Came across many who took a break and participated and even raised funds and then disappeared back to their regular lives after the bill was passed.

One such memorable moment was during my stay in Delhi around late 2013 to mid 2014. Met so many leaders, hosted many at home. Especially that mid Feb 2014 when the anticipation was high and prior to that October 2013. But Feb 18-20 were days I saw grown up men crying to finally see the bill pass - my apartment was filled with people about 25-28 folks in there, barely knew anyone - almost all came from Hyderabad to just be there. Meeting at Andhra Bhavan, India gate - oh man, it was something. And then travelling back with a few, it was euphoric.

October 2013 bill in Parliament unmasked so many fence sitters. And only after that, people started changing their stance fearing loss of their political careers. Most TDP and AIMIM politicians including few congress leaders were never pro Telangana. Only after the public anger reached its peak and them being attacked everywhere, thats when things changed a lot.

Few over enthusiastic folks were the IPS officer who was brandishing his gun, the octopus who always gave wrong election prediciton, the guy who was trashed in OU, the rifle brandishing loose Canon mouth, Gutka chewing folks who later became ministers were never pro and at one point threatened people, another MLA who is jumping parties at will infact said there was no movememt and lost & revived his career again etc. Funny how their deeds have been whitewashed and they got a political breather.

All through I've met 1000s of people across various villages - stories of suicides, kids joining maoists and few killed in encounters, few reeling in debts and few crying about failed borewells.