Haryana Hits Half A Century
Tehelka|15 October 2016

Haryana may be a tiny state with 10 Lok Sabha seats, but its influence on politics has been tremendous since its inception as a separate state 50 years ago.

Pawan Kumar Bansal
Haryana Hits Half A Century

Gurgaon’s flashy modernity is not, by a long stretch, Haryana’s only claim to fame. The city’s new name Gurugram harks back to its epic role as the land of the Mahabharat, where centuries ago three historical battles of Mahabharata were fought, in which Guru Dronacharya played a major part. Which reminds us that it is also the land of honour killings, khap panchayats and a skewed sex ratio. Paradoxically, it is also the birthplace of Sakshi Malik, whose achievements in Rio might just tilt the gender balance. And does anyone need reminding that cricketers Kapil Dev and Mansur Ali Khan of Pataudi hail from Haryana?

Haryana is celebrating its golden jubilee by organising year-long celebrations, to be formally launched by Prime Minister Narender Modi on 1 November at a function at Gurugram. Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has already launched golden jubilee logo at a function held at Kingdom of Dreams in the city. A replica of Gita Sandesh by Lord Krishna to Arjun is highlight of the logo, whose tagline reads: “Trans- forming Haryana — Progressing Haryana.” The function had a tinge of controversy with state Health Minister Anil Vij, a nodal person for the celebrations, abstaining. The choice of venue was also questionable, as its owners are facing an enquiry for not paying government dues.

This story is from the 15 October 2016 edition of Tehelka.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the 15 October 2016 edition of Tehelka.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM TEHELKAView All
Why Did Ratan Tata Feel Compelled To Take Charge Again?
Tehelka

Why Did Ratan Tata Feel Compelled To Take Charge Again?

Did Cyrus Mistry fall victim to an ossified corporate culture or did he violate Tata Sons’ ethos and culture? MG BanGa tells the story so far.

time-read
10+ mins  |
30 November 2016
Misguided Youths Or Trained Terrorists?
Tehelka

Misguided Youths Or Trained Terrorists?

As part of a dangerous trend emerging across the world, homegrown ISIL sympathisers are willing and attempting to carry out deadly terror attacks without any comprehensive support system.

time-read
5 mins  |
July 31 2016
Indian Railways: Living In Dreams
Tehelka

Indian Railways: Living In Dreams

Indian Railways is changing track, giving up its separate Budget and experimenting with surge pricing on three popular trains. That leaves the behemoth with no funds to replace ageing assets and encourage further investments.

time-read
10+ mins  |
31 October 2016
Priyanka Gandhi Agreed To Play Bigger Role In UP
Tehelka

Priyanka Gandhi Agreed To Play Bigger Role In UP

Further delay in decision making could be detrimental to the party’s goal to rejuvenate its prospects in the State Assembly elections.

time-read
4 mins  |
July 15 2016
Mission 2019: Banega Swachh India?
Tehelka

Mission 2019: Banega Swachh India?

Two years ago, Modi kicked off a cleanliness drive in a spectacular way. Showing the contrast between world cities and Gurgaon, MG BANGA suggests ways in which the mission can be accomplished by 2019.

time-read
7 mins  |
September 15 2016
The Goodwill Enjoyed By Mehabooba Mufti Has Been Erased!
Tehelka

The Goodwill Enjoyed By Mehabooba Mufti Has Been Erased!

Mehbooba Mufti risks losing her popularity and irking her party ranks by using New Delhi’s rulebook to deal with the unrest in Kashmir.

time-read
8 mins  |
August 31 2016
Is China's Support To Pakistan, Big Threat To India?
Tehelka

Is China's Support To Pakistan, Big Threat To India?

New Delhi needs to be cautious as in Pakistan’s scheme of things, strategic ties with China can serve as a powerful weapon to deal with adversaries like India.

time-read
4 mins  |
August 15 2016
Panama Papers: Nawaz Sharif'S Troubles Escalate
Tehelka

Panama Papers: Nawaz Sharif'S Troubles Escalate

After his name surfaced in the Panama paper leak following several other charges of money laundering filed against him, there is pressure on Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif to resign.

time-read
5 mins  |
30 November 2016
This Potus Will Make The World Go Bust
Tehelka

This Potus Will Make The World Go Bust

The man who believes global warming is a hoax and has a short attention span will now preside over the affairs not just of the United States but of the whole world. A daunting prospect.

time-read
9 mins  |
30 November 2016
Reel-Life Bohemians, Real-Life Hyprocrites
Tehelka

Reel-Life Bohemians, Real-Life Hyprocrites

ADHM vs Palm Grove Heights: In cinematic life, two strangers Ranbir and Anushka meet in a pub in London and go on a kissing spree while in actual life back in India, a woman from Barcelona was evicted from her male friend’s home in Gurugram. Is cinema really a mirror of society?

time-read
4 mins  |
30 November 2016