Hyderabad: The Deeksha Divas anniversary completed 16 years on Saturday, marking the day K. Chandrashekar Rao began his indefinite fast for Telangana statehood. The 2009 protest set off a decisive phase in the movement and shifted Telangana’s political path.
Telangana Jagruthi president K. Kavitha highlighted the occasion on X. Although she avoided mentioning her father’s name, she described the fast as a call that awakened people across the region. Moreover, she said the sacrifices of activists strengthened unity and pushed the movement forward with renewed purpose.
Deeksha Divas anniversary tied to turning point in the statehood struggle
The Deeksha Divas anniversary traces its roots to KCR’s announcement of an indefinite fast under the slogan “KCR shavayathro… Telangana jaitrayathro.” Once he declared the protest, the agitation quickly expanded. Student groups, employees and civil society organisations rallied behind the demand, and pressure grew on the then Union government.
Kavitha wrote that the fast guided the movement at a crucial moment. Additionally, she said it inspired thousands and brought the state closer to achieving its long-standing goal. She emphasised that while Telangana secured its geographical identity, it must now work toward social Telangana.
Kavitha links anniversary to future aspirations
The Deeksha Divas anniversary prompted Kavitha to reflect on the state’s next phase. She noted that the spirit of the movement still motivates people and insisted that Telangana must continue to strive for social equality. She ended her message with “Jai Telangana, Jai Jai Telangana,” underscoring collective resolve.