‘Telangana Astitva Vedika (Platform for Identity)’ >>>>> Launching Ceremony and Felicitation of ‘Warrior of the Word’ >>>>> S Venkat Narayan, Delhi-based Telangana Journalist : Vanam Jwala Narasimha Rao

 ‘Telangana Astitva Vedika (Platform for Identity)’

Launching Ceremony and Felicitation of ‘Warrior of the Word’

S Venkat Narayan, Delhi-based Telangana Journalist

 Vanam Jwala Narasimha Rao

(April 19, 2026)

The launch of ‘Telangana Astitva Vedika (Platform for Identity)’ at Ravindra Bharathi marked a significant moment in the evolving articulation of Telangana’s cultural, intellectual, and socio-political identity. Conceived as a forum to engage with questions of identity in a structured and inclusive manner, the initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need to preserve and interpret regional distinctiveness in a rapidly changing context. I had the opportunity to participate in the forenoon session of this launch program today in Ravindra Bharathi, which, to the best of my understanding, has taken shape through the collective efforts of V Prakash, Pittala Ravinder, Sridhar Rao Deshpande, and others.

The program brought together participants from diverse backgrounds, both on the dais and among the audience. The gathering reflected a wide spectrum of experience and engagement, including academics such as a sitting Vice-Chancellor and a former Vice-Chancellor, journalists, including senior editors, members of the legal fraternity including a former Advocate General and a former Central Information Commissioner, artists representing Telangana’s cultural ethos, and both prominent and grassroots contributors to the Separate Telangana Movement, among many others.

The launch event was also marked by the felicitation of internationally recognized journalist S Venkat Narayan, described by the organizers as a ‘Warrior of the Word’, with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Born in Kamalapur village in Telangana, S Venkat Narayan has interviewed numerous Presidents, Prime Ministers, and global dignitaries, including Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, and has travelled to over 90 countries. He began his journalistic career with The Times of India, later associating with The Sunday Times as a Summer Scholar and contributing as a guest writer to The Boston Globe.

He subsequently served as Executive Editor at India Today and is currently an independent journalist. It is noteworthy to mention here that, he once declined an offer to serve as Information Advisor to Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, reflecting a conscious professional choice. He is also credited with adapting psephology, the statistical study of elections and voting trends to better suit Indian conditions.

Despite his extensive experience and achievements, his response after the felicitation stood out for its clarity and restraint. His remarks reflected humility, brevity, and precision, the qualities particularly relevant in a program that also included multiple book releases and several speakers within limited time. His articulation demonstrated how one can remain concise while still being comprehensive and contextually grounded.

  Let me reproduce excerpts from what S Venkat Narayan stated: ‘No matter where I live, my roots remain firmly in Telangana. Distance changes location, not identity. If I speak Telugu anywhere, people instantly recognize where I belong. That connection is instinctive, not learned. This honour is not a celebration of the past. It is a reminder of continuing responsibility. Journalism today is losing discipline at a fundamental level. That decline must be addressed with urgency. Reporting must be driven by evidence and structure. Speed without verification only creates noise.’

He further observed that: ‘Psephology was introduced to bring method into electoral analysis. It was never meant to be guesswork or spectacle. Access to power has value only when it is matched with independence. Proximity should never weaken scrutiny. Indian media must return to public interest and real issues. Personality-driven narratives weaken serious journalism. Globally, credibility defines the strength of any media system. Once lost, it is extremely difficult to rebuild.’

Reflecting on his personal journey, he noted that: ‘Telangana gave me clarity in thinking and grounding in values. The world gave me scale and perspective. Mentorship is essential to sustain the profession beyond individuals. Without it, journalism loses depth over time. I accept this recognition with gratitude and clarity. It strengthens my commitment to remain relevant and rigorous.’

A close reading of these remarks highlights the importance of clarity of thought, precision in expression, and contextual relevance. His reflections encompassed multiple dimensions, rooted identity, the instinctive bond of language, concerns over declining journalistic discipline, the structured intent of psephology, the balance between access and independence, and the critical role of mentorship. His acceptance of the honour ‘with gratitude and clarity’ reflects a composed and grounded outlook, reinforcing why the recognition is widely considered well-deserved.

As I entered the auditorium slightly late, an engaging presentation of Telangana dialect-based poetic singing was underway. The verses vividly portrayed facets of rural life, health practices, food habits, cultural values relating to family and daughters, the once-diverse and locally available food systems contributing to longevity, and the continuity of hereditary professions. These themes were interwoven meaningfully, collectively reflecting the essence of ‘Telangana Astitva.’

I accepted the invitation to join the dais alongside the Chief Guest, guests of honour, the journalist being felicitated, and other distinguished participants. Speakers, without divergence, appreciated the efforts of the organizers in initiating a ‘Platform to Sustain Telangana Identity’. At the same time, they offered suggestions, cautions, and constructive inputs regarding its future direction, all articulated with clarity and positive intent. The broad consensus, as understood by me and subject to correction, is reflected in the following observations.

‘Telangana identity is not merely a historical sentiment, but a continuing and evolving necessity for regional empowerment in contemporary India. Preserving its distinct cultural, linguistic, and historical character assumes importance in an increasingly globalized environment. A well-articulated identity framework enables focused developmental priorities and social justice, addressing the region’s specific needs. In changing times, the reaffirmation of Telangana’s culture and dialect serves as a safeguard against marginalization.’

‘The quest for Telangana identity represents a democratic affirmation of self-rule and dignity. It has been shaped through a long and complex historical journey, evolving from ancient periods to the present. This identity reflects a collective consciousness, influenced by successive phases of governance, socio-cultural transformation, and reform. In that sense, it is the outcome of a continuous and dynamic historical process.’

‘The Kakatiya Dynasty laid a foundational framework for Telangana’s distinct identity, particularly through initiatives such as the “Chain of Tanks” irrigation system, which promoted self-sufficiency. Subsequent transitions through various sultanates, culminating in the rule of the Asaf Jahi dynasty, along with predecessors like the Qutb Shahi dynasty, contributed to the evolution of a composite “Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb”. This ethos reflected a synthesis of Persian, Urdu, and Telugu influences, fostering a pluralistic social fabric where diverse traditions and communities coexisted and flourished.’

‘Each historical phase contributed to preserving Telangana’s heritage in multiple ways, through the patronage of the Telugu language in its regional form, the promotion of folk festivals such as Bonalu and Bathukamma, and the safeguarding of tribal traditions and knowledge systems. This layered continuity ensured that the cultural essence of the region remained resilient despite changing political contexts.

In the contemporary context, this identity has evolved from a phase of political assertion into a broader movement for socio-economic empowerment. The modern articulation of Telangana identity reflects a democratic assertion of dignity, aiming to address region-specific developmental priorities while simultaneously celebrating its inclusive and diverse historical legacy.’

‘The most visible and collective expression of Telangana identity emerged during the statehood movement, when the concept of Sabbanda Vargalu, people from all sections of society, found practical expression. The movement transcended divisions of caste, creed, religion, and social hierarchy. Reflecting the region’s long-standing ‘Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb’, individuals from different communities came together in a shared pursuit of self-rule and dignity.

On the occasion, three books were released: A compilation of fifteen essays in Telugu on Telangana Astitva, and a report related to the Sri Krishna Committee authored by Sridhar Rao Deshpande. The launch of ‘Telangana Astitva Vedika’ combined reflection with forward-looking intent. The deliberations underscored that identity, in the Telangana context, is not static or confined to the past, but continues to evolve through cultural expression, intellectual engagement, and democratic participation.