Jai Telangana!
Never a dull moment in India, that’s for sure. It’s been 7 days since I’ve touched down and the time has flown by. The days have been packed with work and last night I had meetings from 11PM to 12:30AM. Even then, I’ve had a chance to do a few fun things:
- Sunday brunch at the Novotel with Dan and Andrew
- Biryani at the world famous Paradise Restaurant
- Spicy black pepper chicken and butter chicken at Our Place
- Familiar chicken tikka masala at F Cafe
Well hmm, most of everything is food related. This list would have probably been longer, but there have been riots and demonstrations around Andra Pradesh by supporters of the Jai Telangana Party which has been pushing for a new state in India. Their political leader went on a hunger strike before I got here, and fell very ill since he wasn’t very healthy to begin with, which exacerbated the agitation. Apparently in some parts of Hyderabad there have been demonstrations and cars lit on fire, and apparently 25 people have committed suicide for the cause. Work-wise, this meant local coworkers had to leave earlier due to police check-points around the city. But for me, since I walk to the office, there really wasn’t any difference.
Luckily the demonstrations were called off today since the government has agreed to create Telangana. Guess that means I went to sleep in Andra Pradesh and woke up in Telangana. Can’t say that happens everyday.
You need to eat more Palak Paneer!
BTW since you’ve been gone Northern California has also seceded. So, you know, update your passport and whatnot.
Aaah…Reid! You have proof on your camera that you were part of the demonstrations too. :P Where are those pics?