If you are in Hyderabad the word `settler’ in the press was quite natural the last two years when ever a political speech is rewritten. But off late after the movement intensified, repeated assurances were given to commoners that nothing will affect them. And true to their stance, like anywhere in the country, it was normal in Hyderabad. The leaders carried a tirade towards their counterparts but no common man was ever involved.

But there are instances which I had personally witnessed, when a common argument came up at the petty shops or at ticket counters or for that matter at some common places, the people from the other part were meted out disgracefully. Though the incidents are less, they only sever our century old tag line `Unity in Diversity.’ Last night while at a petty shop on a petty errand, I was a witness to one gentleman holding the throat of another, and abusing him. The young man was a local and the other old man unable to fend himself, was from the other part. The young man caught hole of the old man and threatened him amidst a small crowd, of course I was a part of the crowd too. But neither of us protested, probably with fear that we were minorities and foreigners in our own country. The same situation, I was witnessed it at a HRC tote too.

Well, if I remember right, during my first visits to Mumbai in the 80’s along with my other south Indian friends, we were all called `Madrassis,’ in general for fun, by our Mumbai hosts.  India is a vast country and our strength is our unity in diversity. An Indian is an Indian anywhere in the country, be it Kashmir or Kanyakumari alike. The why this disparity line dividing us, most of us are least concerned in politics and would welcome the change  and only bank on how that would benefit our lives.  (AarKay)